New Jersey Sales Tax Calculator
Figure the tax, the total, or the pre-tax price for any U.S. state or city rate
New Jersey imposes a 6.625% statewide sales tax, one of the higher base rates on the East Coast. Despite this relatively high state rate, New Jersey's average combined state and local sales tax rate is actually 6.60% — slightly lower than the state base rate. This unusual situation exists because of the Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ) program: designated distressed municipalities like Newark, Camden, and Trenton allow qualifying retailers to collect sales tax at just 3.3125% (half the standard rate), pulling the statewide weighted average down.
Unlike many states, New Jersey does not impose additional local sales taxes on top of the state rate in most jurisdictions — outside of UEZ adjustments, consumers across the state generally pay the uniform 6.625%.
New Jersey also offers important exemptions: most unprepared groceries (produce, bread, dairy) are exempt from sales tax, as is most clothing and footwear. Prescription drugs and over-the-counter medicines are also exempt. However, prepared food, restaurant meals, and soft drinks are fully taxable.
Worked example: You buy a new jacket for $100 at a non-UEZ store in Princeton. Since most clothing is exempt in NJ, you owe $0 in sales tax. But if you buy a $100 video game at the same store, you pay 6.625% × $100 = $6.63 in tax, for a total of $106.63.
Use this calculator to estimate sales tax on any taxable purchase in New Jersey by entering the pre-tax price and the applicable rate.
Practical example — New Jersey
A $500 electronics purchase at a standard New Jersey retailer incurs $33.13 in sales tax (6.625%), bringing the total to $533.13. The same purchase at a UEZ-registered store could cost only $516.56 in total.
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❓ Frequently asked questions
What is the sales tax rate in New Jersey?
New Jersey's statewide sales tax rate is 6.625%. The average combined state and local rate is 6.60%, slightly lower than the base rate due to the Urban Enterprise Zone program, which allows half-rate (3.3125%) collection in certain distressed cities.
Does New Jersey have local sales tax?
Not in the traditional sense. Most of New Jersey charges only the uniform 6.625% state rate with no added local sales tax. However, the Urban Enterprise Zone program effectively reduces the rate in specific designated municipalities, which is why the statewide average combined rate (6.60%) is marginally below the base rate.
Are groceries taxed in New Jersey?
Most unprepared groceries are exempt from New Jersey sales tax — this includes fruits, vegetables, bread, milk, and meat purchased at a grocery store. However, prepared foods (hot meals, deli platters), restaurant meals, candy, and soft drinks are subject to the full 6.625% rate.
Is clothing taxable in New Jersey?
Most everyday clothing and footwear are exempt from New Jersey sales tax. Exceptions include fur clothing, sporting equipment and accessories (like cleats or helmets), and formal wear rentals. Accessories such as jewelry, handbags, and watches are also taxable.
What is the Urban Enterprise Zone sales tax rate in New Jersey?
In New Jersey's Urban Enterprise Zones — which include parts of cities like Newark, Camden, Trenton, and Paterson — qualifying retailers charge half the standard rate, which comes to 3.3125%. This program was designed to help local businesses compete with neighboring Delaware, which has no sales tax at all.