This calculator starts with New Jersey’s combined rate of 6.6% (6.625% state rate, less 0.02% on average for reduced-rate zones). Your actual rate depends on the city, county and district of the sale — pick “Custom rate” to enter it exactly.
New Jersey sales tax rates in 2026
At 6.6%, New Jersey’s combined average rate ranks 30 of the 50 states and D.C. (1 = highest) — 0.4 percentage points below the middle value of all 51 jurisdictions (7%). Its state rate of 6.625% ranks 8 of 51.
| Measure | Rate | Rank (1 = highest) |
|---|---|---|
| State sales tax rate | 6.625% | 8 of 51 |
| Average local rate (population-weighted) | −0.02% | — |
| Combined state + average local rate | 6.6% | 30 of 51 |
| Middle of all 51 (combined) | 7% | 26 of 51 |
State rate is 6.625%. The average local rate is negative because qualifying sellers in Urban Enterprise Zones and Salem County collect a reduced 3.3125% rate.
Sales tax on common purchases in New Jersey
Sales tax at the 6.625% state rate alone and at the 6.6% combined average, rounded to the cent:
| Purchase | State tax only (6.625%) | Tax at 6.6% combined | Total with combined tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| $100 purchase | $6.63 | $6.60 | $106.60 |
| $500 purchase | $33.13 | $33.00 | $533.00 |
| $1,000 purchase | $66.25 | $66.00 | $1,066.00 |
| $25,000 car | $1,656.25 | $1,650.00 | $26,650.00 |
The $25,000 car line uses the general rate. Many states tax vehicles under separate rules — a different rate, a cap, or tax on the price after a trade-in — so treat it as an estimate.
Groceries and items taxed differently
Groceries: Exempt.
Other items, such as clothing, prescription drugs and services, can also be exempt or taxed at a different rate depending on the state. New Jersey’s tax agency publishes the rules for specific items.
New Jersey vs. neighboring states
2 of 3 neighbors have a lower average combined rate than New Jersey and 1 has a higher one; on a $1,000 purchase the tax ranges from $0.00 in Delaware to $85.40 in New York, versus $66.00 in New Jersey.
| State | State rate | Avg. local | Combined | Tax on $1,000 | vs. New Jersey |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delaware | 0% | 0% | 0% | $0.00 | −$66.00 |
| Pennsylvania | 6% | 0.34% | 6.34% | $63.40 | −$2.60 |
| New Jersey | 6.625% | −0.02% | 6.6% | $66.00 | — |
| New York | 4% | 4.54% | 8.54% | $85.40 | +$19.40 |
Shopping across a state line doesn’t always save money: when a seller doesn’t collect your state’s tax, you generally owe use tax at your home rate. See sales tax rates for every state.
How to calculate New Jersey sales tax
- Add tax: multiply the price by 1.066. $100.00 × 1.066 = $106.60.
- Remove tax: divide the total by 1.066. $1,000.00 ÷ 1.066 = $938.09, so the tax was $61.91.
- Tax alone: multiply the price by 0.066. On $500.00: $33.00.
If you itemize deductions, you can deduct either your state and local income taxes or your general sales taxes on your federal return, within the SALT cap. The income tax calculator shows whether itemizing beats the standard deduction.
Frequently asked questions
What is the sales tax rate in New Jersey in 2026?
New Jersey’s state rate is 6.625%; reduced rates in some areas bring the average combined rate to 6.6% as of July 1, 2026 (Tax Foundation). That ranks 30 of 51 (1 = highest). At the average combined rate, a $100.00 taxable purchase costs $106.60.
How much is sales tax on $1,000 in New Jersey?
About $66.00 at the 6.6% combined average rate, for a total of $1,066.00. The state portion alone is $66.25; the rest depends on your city, county and district taxes. Multiply the price by 0.066 to get the tax, or by 1.066 to get the total.
How do I remove New Jersey sales tax from a total?
Divide the total by 1.066 (1 plus the 6.6% combined rate). A $1,000 receipt total works out to $938.09 before tax and $61.91 of tax. Subtracting 6.6% of the total would give $934.00, which understates the price because the tax was charged on the smaller pre-tax amount.
How much is sales tax on a $25,000 car in New Jersey?
At the 6.6% general combined rate, $1,650.00, for a total of $26,650.00. Vehicles are often taxed under separate motor vehicle tax rules, at a different rate or on a price reduced by a trade-in, so confirm the amount with New Jersey’s motor vehicle or tax agency before you budget for it.
Are groceries taxed in New Jersey?
No. Groceries (food for home consumption) are exempt from sales tax in New Jersey. Prepared food, such as restaurant meals and hot deli items, is generally taxable, and items like candy, soft drinks and alcohol may be treated differently from groceries, so check with New Jersey’s tax agency for a specific product.
Is sales tax higher in New Jersey than in neighboring states?
2 of 3 neighbors have a lower average combined rate than New Jersey and 1 has a higher one; on a $1,000 purchase the tax ranges from $0.00 in Delaware to $85.40 in New York, versus $66.00 in New Jersey. These comparisons use each state’s combined state and average local rate. Crossing a border to save tax doesn’t always work: if a seller doesn’t collect your home state’s tax, you generally owe use tax at home.