New Jersey Sales Tax Calculator
Use this New Jersey sales tax calculator to compute tax on any purchase at the NJ state rate of 6.625%. Instant tax amount, total price, and chart breakdown.
New Jersey state sales tax rate is 6.625%. Some items like clothing, food, and prescription drugs are exempt.
About This Calculator
The New Jersey Sales Tax Calculator helps you quickly determine the exact sales tax on any purchase in New Jersey. Using the statewide rate of 6.625%, the calculator computes both the tax amount and the total price in seconds. Simply enter the purchase amount and the calculator does the rest, displaying a detailed breakdown with chart views.
New Jersey has a uniform sales tax rate -- unlike many other states, municipalities in NJ cannot add local sales taxes. This means the rate is the same whether you are shopping in Newark, Jersey City, or Cape May. The only exception is Millville, where a 2% special Urban Enterprise Zone rate applies, making the combined rate 4.625%.
How Sales Tax Is Calculated
The calculator applies the standard formula: Sales Tax = Purchase Amount x Tax Rate. For example, a $100 purchase at the 6.625% NJ rate results in $6.63 in sales tax, for a total of $106.63. The calculator supports custom tax rates so you can compute tax for exempt items (0%) or compare with rates from neighboring states.
Exempt Items in New Jersey
New Jersey exempts several important categories from sales tax, making everyday essentials more affordable for residents:
- Clothing and footwear -- all clothing items are exempt at any price point
- Groceries and unprepared food -- most food items purchased for home consumption
- Prescription drugs -- medications and medical devices prescribed by a doctor
- Newspapers and magazines -- subscription and newsstand sales are tax-free
- Manufacturing equipment -- machinery and equipment used directly in production
Prepared food, soft drinks, candy, dietary supplements, and alcoholic beverages remain taxable. You can set the rate field to 0% to calculate totals for fully exempt purchases.
Online Purchases and Nexus
Following the 2018 South Dakota v. Wayfair Supreme Court decision, New Jersey requires out-of-state sellers to collect and remit NJ sales tax if they have economic nexus -- defined as over $100,000 in sales or 200 or more separate transactions in the state within the current or prior calendar year. Most major online retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy automatically charge NJ sales tax at checkout.
Regional Comparison
New Jersey's 6.625% rate sits in the middle compared to nearby states: Delaware (0% -- no sales tax), Pennsylvania (6%), New York (4% state rate plus local additions, up to 8.875% in New York City), and Connecticut (6.35%). The calculator defaults to the NJ rate but lets you compare with any rate from any jurisdiction, making it useful for border-area shoppers and small business owners.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the New Jersey sales tax rate?
The New Jersey state sales tax rate is 6.625% as of 2024. Unlike some states, NJ does not allow local municipalities to add additional sales taxes, so the rate is uniform across the entire state. This rate applies to most tangible personal property and some services.
What items are exempt from NJ sales tax?
New Jersey exempts several categories from sales tax including most clothing and footwear, unprepared food and groceries, prescription drugs, medical devices and supplies, newspapers and magazines, and manufacturing equipment. Prepared food, soft drinks, over-the-counter drugs, and candy are generally taxable.
How does NJ sales tax compare to neighboring states?
New Jersey's 6.625% rate is moderate compared to neighboring states. New York has a state rate of 4% plus local additions (up to 8.875% in NYC), Pennsylvania is 6%, Delaware has 0% sales tax, and Connecticut is 6.35%. NJ's uniform statewide rate is simpler than states with local option taxes.
How do I calculate NJ sales tax on a purchase?
To calculate NJ sales tax, multiply the purchase amount by 6.625% (0.06625). For example, a $100 purchase has $6.63 in sales tax, making the total $106.63. Items exempt from tax have no sales tax applied. Use this calculator to instantly compute tax on any amount.
Are services taxable in New Jersey?
New Jersey taxes some services but not all. Taxable services include repair and maintenance, landscaping, painting, photography, and tanning. Professional services like legal, medical, accounting, and architectural services are generally exempt from NJ sales tax.
Do I need to pay NJ sales tax on online purchases?
Yes, following the 2018 South Dakota v. Wayfair Supreme Court decision, New Jersey requires out-of-state sellers to collect and remit NJ sales tax if they have economic nexus (over $100,000 in sales or 200 transactions in the state). Most major online retailers already charge NJ sales tax at checkout.
Is there a sales tax holiday in New Jersey?
New Jersey typically holds an annual sales tax holiday in late August/early September for back-to-school shopping. During this period, certain school supplies, computers, and sports equipment are exempt from the 6.625% sales tax. The exemption limits and eligible items vary each year.