Question for NJ residence

[kellydizfan]

Hi,
We are going to NJ this Wednesday to shop. What doesn't have tax. I think I remember that clothes don't - does anything else not have tax on it? Can you please let me know so I can plan my shopping stratagy. I would greatly appreciate it. We are going to Paramus to the Christmas Tree Shop, Ikea and the Garden State Plaza. Thank you!
Kelly

 

[JerseyJanice]

I hope you have a nice visit to our fair state.

"Essentials" are not taxed, but it's weird what the law considers "essential."

From the stores you mentioned, I can say that most items at Ikea and the Christmas Tree Shoppe will be taxed, as furniture is a taxable item. Is furniture "essential"? I think so, but the NJ legislature does not. Guess they think people don't need furniture, and can sit and sleep on their floors.

Pretty much everything at Best Buy (in the GSP) is taxed, but there is no tax on clothing of any kind, including shoes.

Tax is 7%, and it's not charged on most groceries, but it is charged on "prepared" foods served hot. So if you go to ShopRite and buy chicken in their food court, you'll pay tax on that, but you won't pay it on a package of cooked Purdue chicken from the refrigerated section. It's charged on all "junk" foods like soda, candy and chips, too.

Confusing? Yes, it is. I've lived here my whole life and when I check my store receipts, I still get surprised over some items being taxed. For example, at Costco recently, I noticed I paid tax on a box of Fruit Roll-Ups. Even though they're vitamin fortified, they are considered "candy."

Still, I hope you have a great time during your visit.

 

[mjkacmom]

PP explained it well - I've been living here my entire life, and didn't even realize the tax situation until recently! Garden State Plaza is my favorite mall - I'm 15 minutes away, and try to stay away!

 

[jx3smom]

shoes are not taxed but sneakers are.

 

[maelstrom]

Enjoy that fun Paramus traffic!

 

[lsyorke]

shoes are not taxed but sneakers are.

Uh, nope, no tax on sneakers. Footware is exempt from sales tax.
http://www.docstoc.com/docs/772686/NOTICE-on-Clothing-Changes-under-Streamlined-Sales-and-Use-Tax

 

[mjkacmom]

Enjoy that fun Paramus traffic!

If she takes the Parkway, no traffic, since all 3 are right off the exit.

 

[mlynn]

shoes are not taxed but sneakers are.

Just bought sneakers on Friday.No tax.