New Jersey sales tax calculator (NJ): calculate sales tax, tax amount, and total
Examples
FAQs
What’s the standard New Jersey sales tax rate right now?
6.625% for most taxable sales.
Does New Jersey have a reduced sales tax rate in some places?
Yes—3.3125% can apply to qualifying sales in UEZ and certain Salem County sales, if requirements are met.
When does the UEZ 3.3125% rate apply?
Only for qualifying sales by certified UEZ vendors, and NJ notes specific delivery/transaction requirements for using the reduced rate.
Are groceries taxed in New Jersey?
Most grocery-type food is generally exempt, but prepared food rules can make some food taxable.
Are restaurant meals or hot prepared foods taxed?
NJ guidance states prepared food is taxable (rules include heated items or items prepared by the seller).
Is clothing taxed in New Jersey?
NJ guidance says most clothing and footwear are exempt.
Are prescription and over-the-counter medicines taxed?
NJ guidance treats prescription and OTC drugs for human use as exempt.
What if the price I see already includes sales tax—how do I back it out?
Use base = total ÷ (1 + rate) and tax = total − base.
Why might my result differ from the store receipt?
Differences often come from item-specific tax rules (exemptions/definitions) and rounding (line-by-line vs total).
If an online seller didn’t charge NJ sales tax, do I owe anything?
NJ explains you may owe Use Tax when you paid no tax or a lower rate elsewhere; the rate is the same as NJ sales tax.
Does this calculator cover every special local or industry tax?
It covers the standard statewide rate, plus UEZ/Salem reduced-rate scenarios and common exemptions. Some specialized transactions can have additional rules not modeled here.
What document should I keep for proof of sales tax paid?
Keep the receipt/invoice showing the tax amount and seller details; that typically supports sales tax paid or use tax reconciliation.
Note: This calculator provides an estimate. Rates can vary by region and change over time. It is not tax advice.
See more in calculators for United States.
Sources
- NJ Division of Taxation — Sales and Use Tax overviewNJ Division of Taxation · New Jersey, United States · Accessed: 2026-01-28Overview of New Jersey Sales and Use Tax.
- NJ Division of Taxation — Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ) overviewNJ Division of Taxation · New Jersey, United States · Accessed: 2026-01-28UEZ program overview and reduced rate details.
- NJ Division of Taxation — UEZ delivery requirements notice (3.3125%)NJ Division of Taxation · New Jersey, United States · Accessed: 2026-01-28UEZ delivery/transaction requirements for reduced rate.
- NJ Division of Taxation — Salem County reduced rate guidance (Form ST-450)NJ Division of Taxation · New Jersey, United States · Accessed: 2026-01-28Salem County reduced rate conditions and documentation.
- NJ Division of Taxation — New Jersey Sales Tax Guide (S&U-4)NJ Division of Taxation · New Jersey, United States · Accessed: 2026-01-28Sales and use tax guidance and exemptions overview.
- NJ Division of Taxation — Use Tax FAQNJ Division of Taxation · New Jersey, United States · Accessed: 2026-01-28Use tax obligations when sales tax isn’t collected.
- NJ Tax Topic Bulletin — Sales of Prepared Food (TB-71)NJ Division of Taxation · New Jersey, United States · Accessed: 2026-01-28Prepared food taxability details.
- NJ Tax Topic Bulletin — Food & ingredients / soft drinks (TB-70)NJ Division of Taxation · New Jersey, United States · Accessed: 2026-01-28Food, ingredients, and soft drink taxability guidance.