New Jersey Sales and Use Tax
What is the New Jersey sales tax? 6.625%
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The New Jersey sales tax rate is currently 6.625%. In New Jersey, no other municipality
can add sales taxes on top of the state rate.
Taxes in New Jersey are destination-based, meaning the New Jersey sales tax rate is based, or determined from, the destination location an item is shipped to. This complicates business for retailers who need to have the exact and up-to-date sales tax rate for every shipment they make.
To see a full breakout of New Jersey sales tax rates by state, county, city and special district, use our easy New Jersey sales tax calculator. After putting in any ZIP code, you can enter a retail price to calculate New Jersey sales tax totals.
What is the New Jersey use tax?
The New Jersey state use tax rate is the same as the state, county, city and special district rates.
If you reside in NJ, use tax is due to the state on any and all transactions where sales tax has not been paid, even out-of-state internet sales.
Who has to pay New Jersey sales tax or use tax?
In general, a business must collect and remit all applicable New Jersey sales taxes if that business has nexus, a physical presence such as a brick-and-mortar location, within a given state. The presence of an employee or salesperson, delivery by the seller's vehicle, and storage of materials usually establishes nexus as well.
New Jersey says that an out-of-state seller is required to collect tax if they can be defined as "sellers". New Jersey does not currently have additional laws establishing nexus for other reasons such as out-of-state businesses using in-state affiliates, advertisers or vendors, or businesses that make internet sales or mail catalogs.
If you are not sure if you have established nexus in New Jersey, you can usually get free help by contacting the New Jersey Division of Taxation. Click here for an updated listing of direct phone numbers. You could also contact a qualified certified public accountant or lawyer who specializes in tax law in New Jersey. Click here for listing of recommended resources.
Special rules applying to New Jersey:
- Shipping is taxable.
- Finance charges are exempt from sales tax.
- Clothing is tax exempt, except for clothing and footwear of certain types.
- New Jersey Sales tax holidays are not planned for this state .
Since New Jersey legislators can vote to change the New Jersey sales tax and use tax rates at any time, it is very difficult for individuals to keep track of the changes. The population of NJ state is also rapidly changing, which can cause frequent updates to the ZIP codes and local municipality names and complicates the job of keeping track of New Jersey sales tax jurisdictions.