Estimate only — not tax advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See methodology and sources.
New Jersey Sales Tax
State + average local combined rate, category exemptions, and how it compares to neighbors.
State rate
6.63%
Average combined (state + local)
6.63%
Category exemptions
| Category | Rule | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Groceries | Exempt | Unprepared food at grocery stores. |
| Clothing | Exempt | Clothing & footwear exempt |
| Prescription drugs | Exempt | Prescribed medications dispensed by a licensed pharmacist. |
Example: $100 purchase
- State sales tax only: $6.63
- Combined (state + average local): $6.63
- Total with combined tax: $106.63
Major cities in New Jersey
| City | Combined rate | vs state avg |
|---|---|---|
| Newark | 6.63% | -0.00% |
| Jersey City | 6.63% | -0.00% |
| Paterson | 6.63% | -0.00% |
| Elizabeth | 6.63% | -0.00% |
| Edison | 6.63% | -0.00% |
Border shopping — vs neighboring states
For larger purchases, driving to a neighbor with lower combined rate can save real money.
| State | State rate | Avg combined | vs NJ | Save on $1,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Jersey (current) | 6.63% | 6.63% | — | — |
| Delaware | 0.00% | 0.00% | -6.63% | $66.30 |
| Pennsylvania | 6.00% | 6.34% | -0.29% | $2.90 |
| New York | 4.00% | 8.53% | +1.90% | — |
Common questions
- What is the sales tax rate in New Jersey?
- New Jersey levies a 6.63% state sales tax. With local taxes added, the statewide average combined rate is 6.63%. Actual rate at the register depends on your city and county.
- Does New Jersey tax groceries?
- Groceries are exempt from state sales tax in New Jersey. Hot or prepared food typically remains taxable.
- Does New Jersey have a sales tax holiday?
- New Jersey does not run an annual sales tax holiday. For tax-free shopping, consider neighboring states with holidays, or use online retailers based in no-sales-tax states (OR, MT, NH, DE) — though use tax may still apply on out-of-state purchases.
- Who collects sales tax in New Jersey?
- The New Jersey Department of Revenue collects state-level sales tax; counties and cities add local rates that are remitted through the same return. Out-of-state sellers shipping to New Jersey must collect if they exceed economic nexus thresholds (typically $100k in sales or 200 transactions).
Full data sources and formulas: /sources.
Estimate only — not tax advice. Local rates vary by city and county — your actual rate at the register may differ from the state average. Category-specific exemptions (groceries, prescription drugs, clothing) and tax holidays change by year; check the New Jersey DOR for current rules. All states →
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