Disclaimer: All rates and figures on this page are estimates for general informational purposes only and are not financial, tax, or legal advice. Sales tax rates change and vary by city, county, and the type of item purchased. Verify current rates with the New Jersey Department of Revenue before relying on these figures, and consult a qualified tax professional for specific guidance.
Calculate sales tax on any purchase in New Jersey. The state sales tax rate is 6.625%, and when combined with the average local rate of 0%, the total average in New Jersey comes to 6.63%. Actual rates vary by city and county.
New Jersey Sales Tax Rates
- State Rate
- 6.625%
- Avg Local Rate
- 0%
- Combined Average
- 6.63%
Quick Reference
New Jersey has the highest effective property tax rates in the nation.
State income tax: 10.75% top rate
New Jersey Sales Tax Table
Quick reference for common purchase amounts at the 6.63% combined average rate:
| Purchase Price | Sales Tax | Total |
|---|---|---|
| $10 | $0.66 | $10.66 |
| $25 | $1.66 | $26.66 |
| $50 | $3.31 | $53.31 |
| $100 | $6.63 | $106.63 |
| $250 | $16.57 | $266.57 |
| $500 | $33.15 | $533.15 |
| $1,000 | $66.30 | $1066.30 |
| $2,500 | $165.75 | $2665.75 |
| $5,000 | $331.50 | $5331.50 |
How New Jersey Sales Tax Works
Sales tax in New Jersey is collected at the point of sale on most tangible goods and some services. The state portion of 6.625% is uniform statewide, while local jurisdictions may add their own rates, averaging 0% across the state. Certain items like groceries and prescription medications may be exempt or taxed at reduced rates.
When budgeting in New Jersey, remember that sales tax affects your purchasing power. With a median home value of $433,600 and a property tax rate of 2.23%, understanding all taxes helps you make informed financial decisions.
What Is and Is Not Taxed in New Jersey
Unprepared groceries are exempt from New Jersey state sales tax — prepared food, candy and soft drinks are taxable.
Most clothing and footwear is exempt from New Jersey sales tax; fur and sporting equipment are not.
Prescription medicines are exempt in New Jersey, as they are in every state that levies a sales tax; over-the-counter drugs and most medical supplies are treated separately and are frequently taxable.
Out-of-state sellers must register and collect New Jersey tax once they cross the state's economic nexus threshold, a rule that follows from the 2018 Supreme Court decision in South Dakota v. Wayfair. Below that threshold, the buyer technically owes use tax instead.
New Jersey Sales Tax vs. the National Picture
At 6.625% combined (state plus average local), New Jersey's sales tax ranks 30th-highest nationally — below the national median of 7%.
New Jersey adds no local sales taxes, so the 6.625% state rate is exactly what you pay at the register everywhere in New Jersey.
Combined state-plus-local averages nearby: Delaware (no sales tax); New York (8.54%); Pennsylvania (6.34%). Delaware charges no sales tax at all.