Section 01 of 04
Which everyday items are exempt from New Jersey sales tax?
The categories presented in the table below are the ones shoppers most commonly see as tax free:
Tax free category | General examples |
Grocery-type food meant for home preparation | fresh produce, bread, milk, meat, canned goods |
Clothing and footwear | shirts, pants, socks, everyday shoes |
Disposable paper products for household use | paper towels, napkins, toilet tissue, paper plates |
Medicines | prescription drugs & many over-the-counter drugs |
Abovementioned categories are listed as exempt items in the New Jersey Sales Tax Guide.
Section 02 of 04
What is a common reason an item gets taxed anyway?
Prepared food is major item. A grocery item might become taxable if it is sold in a “ready to eat” condition. Candy & soft drinks are also generally taxable.
Who is writing this
Guidance from a firm that files these every season
Wasserman Accounting has advised New Jersey individuals and businesses since 1993. The positions in this article are the ones we take on real returns.
Since 1993
30+ years in practice
3,054
Clients served
30,426
Returns completed
All 50
States licensed
Section 03 of 04
Do online or out-of-state purchases affect NJ sales and use tax?
Definitely. If a taxable item is shipped into New Jersey and the seller did not collect tax — you may owe use tax instead.
- Save the receipt/order confirmation
- Check whether the purchase is exempt or taxable in parallel to NJ rules
- Apply the correct rate & report it with the return
Section 04 of 04
How can Wasserman Accounting CPAs help with NJ sales tax exemptions?
Our dedicated team at Wasserman Accounting CPAs may present full compliance with the purchases or sales in New Jersey as well as the state rules. Our team can:
- review what you sell — or buy — and locate risk items
- aid you in handling exemption certificates the right way
- support registration and filings as well as precise sales tax calculations
Contact us to get professional answers in terms of your specific transaction.
