How New Jersey Sales Tax Works
New Jersey's state government imposes a 6.63% sales tax on most retail purchases. Counties, cities, and special districts can layer additional local sales tax on top — pushing combined rates to a population-weighted average of 6.60% statewide.
New Jersey's "Urban Enterprise Zones" reduce the sales tax to 3.3125% in qualifying cities (e.g., Newark, Trenton); Salem County also charges only half the state rate.
Groceries in New Jersey
New Jersey exempts unprepared groceries from sales tax.
Clothing in New Jersey
New Jersey exempts most clothing and footwear from sales tax — one of the most generous apparel exemptions in the country.
How New Jersey Compares to Neighboring States
Sales tax on a $1,000.00 purchase in New Jersey versus neighboring states, using each state's average combined rate (state + local):
| State | State Rate | Combined Rate | Tax on $1,000 | vs. New Jersey |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Jersey (here) | 6.63% | 6.60% | $66.00 | — |
| New York | 4.00% | 8.53% | $85.30 | +$19.30 |
| Pennsylvania | 6.00% | 6.34% | $63.40 | -$2.60 |
| Delaware | None | None | $0.00 | -$66.00 |
A negative "vs." figure means a lower sales tax bill on the same purchase. Specific addresses can vary materially from the state-wide average.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the New Jersey sales tax rate for 2026?
New Jersey's state sales tax rate is 6.63% for 2026. When combined with the average local sales tax of -0.03%, most New Jersey residents pay a typical combined rate of 6.60%.
How much sales tax will I pay on a $100 purchase in New Jersey?
On a $100 purchase, expect approximately $6.63 in state sales tax, or about $6.60 including average local sales tax (combined 6.60%). Total cost: roughly $106.60.
Are groceries taxed in New Jersey?
New Jersey exempts unprepared groceries from sales tax.
Is clothing taxed in New Jersey?
New Jersey exempts most clothing and footwear from sales tax — one of the most generous apparel exemptions in the country.
Is sales tax calculated before or after discounts in New Jersey?
New Jersey follows the standard rule used by virtually all states: sales tax is calculated on the final discounted price, not the original price. If a $200 item is on sale for $150, you pay sales tax on $150. Manufacturer coupons can be treated differently in some states.
How is this New Jersey sales tax estimate calculated?
The calculator applies New Jersey's 6.63% state sales tax rate plus whatever local rate you enter (city + county + special districts). The default Local Rate is 0%; click a city in the table above to fill in its local portion, or look up your specific address with New Jersey's Department of Revenue tool.