State Tax Guide

New Jersey State Taxes: A Simple Guide

New Jersey has a state income tax, local property taxes, and state sales tax. This guide breaks down the basics for individuals in clear terms.

ℹ️Important: This is a high-level overview. New Jersey tax rules, rates, and programs change over time. Always check official New Jersey guidance or talk with a tax professional about your specific situation.

💰New Jersey state income tax

New Jersey taxes personal income using its own system of brackets and rules. In general:

📋Residents with income above certain thresholds usually must file a New Jersey state income tax return

📍Nonresidents may need to file if they earn New Jersey-source income

📝New Jersey's definitions of income, deductions, and credits are not identical to federal rules

📄 Typical filing: A typical New Jersey resident will file a federal Form 1040 and a separate New Jersey state return for the same tax year if they meet the state's filing requirements.

🛒Sales and use tax

New Jersey has a state sales tax, and some local areas may have special rules or reduced rates (for example, in certain designated zones).

→Many purchases of goods are taxable; some items (like certain groceries or clothing) may be exempt or taxed differently under New Jersey law

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If you buy taxable items from out of state or online and no tax is collected, you may owe use tax to New Jersey

💼 Business owners: Businesses selling taxable goods or services generally must register and collect New Jersey sales tax where required.

🏠Property taxes

Property taxes in New Jersey are set and collected primarily by local governments (municipalities, counties, and school districts). They are based on the assessed value of real property.

📊Homeowners receive property tax bills from their local town

💰New Jersey is known for relatively high property tax bills in many areas, which fund schools and local services

🏡Some homeowners may qualify for credits, rebates, or relief programs, especially older or lower-income residents

📍 Local variation: Property tax details are highly local. Your town or county tax office is the best source for exact rates and programs where you live.

🔗Putting New Jersey taxes together

A typical New Jersey resident may encounter several kinds of tax in a year:

1️⃣Federal income tax (Form 1040)

2️⃣New Jersey state income tax

3️⃣State sales and use tax on purchases

4️⃣Local property taxes if they own a home

📚 Build your foundation: Understanding federal concepts like taxable income and what a tax return is makes it easier to see how New Jersey's rules change the overall picture.

Estimate your tax refund

Calculate your federal and New Jersey state tax liability.

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💰New Jersey state income tax

🛒Sales and use tax

🏠Property taxes

🔗Putting New Jersey taxes together

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Estimate your tax refund