New Jersey tax holiday begins Saturday. Save on computers, school supplies and more

Juan Carlos Castillo, Asbury Park Press
Updated ·2 min read
During New Jersey's sales tax holiday, exchanging an eligible purchase for the same item in a different size or color does not incur sales tax, even if it's after the exemption period.
During New Jersey's sales tax holiday, exchanging an eligible purchase for the same item in a different size or color does not incur sales tax, even if it's after the exemption period.

The sales tax holiday is approaching in New Jersey, offering a temporary exemption on the state’s 6.625% sale tax for a long list of back-to-school items.

This year, the tax break runs from Aug. 26 through Sept. 4 with no restrictions on how much residents and visitors can buy, according to the New Jersey Treasury. What's tax-free? Computers, school supplies and sports and recreational equipment.

While the tax holiday period is intended for back-to-school shoppers, anyone can enjoy this tax courtesy, regardless of whether they are going to school.

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In order to receive a tax exemption on computers, the sale price should be less than $3,000.  If a computer costs more than $3,000 but a discount brings it below that number, the tax break will apply. Computer accessories, such as printers, should retail for less than $1,000 to receive the exemption, unless a discount brings it below that dollar figure.

In the case the seller incorrectly charged New Jersey sales tax, the purchaser may request a refund. If the request is unsuccessful, the customer can file a claim for refund through a form on the state's website.

Exchanging an eligible purchase for the same item in a different size or color does not incur sales tax, even if it's after the exemption period. However, if the item is returned after the exemption period and the customer receives credit for a different item, the newly purchased item is subject to sales tax, even if it qualified for the exemption during the sales tax holiday.

What can be purchased tax free?

  • Clay and glazes

  • Paints

  • Paintbrushes for artwork

  • Watercolors

  • Sketch and drawing pads

  • Computers and storage memories

  • Handheld electronic schedulers (except cell phones)

  • Personal digital assistants (except cell phones)

  • Printers and supplies

  • Reference books

  • Workbooks

  • Maps and globes

  • Textbooks

  • Binders

  • Cellophane tape

  • Composition books

  • Folders

  • Index cards

  • Pencils

  • Pens

  • Protractors

  • Book bags

  • Chalk

  • Crayons

  • Glue

  • Markers and highlighters

  • Lunch boxes

  • Legal pads

  • Notebooks

  • Pencil sharpeners

  • Calculators

  • Compasses

  • Erasers

  • Paper (lined, copy, graph, tracing, manila, colored, construction, and poster board)

  • Writing tablets

  • Rulers

  • Scissors

  • Ballet and tap shoes

  • Goggles

  • Guards

  • Skates (roller and ice)

  • Shoulder pads

  • Ski boots

  • Athletic shoes (cleated or spiked)

  • Life preservers and vests

  • Waders

  • Gloves, (baseball, bowling, boxing, hockey, and golf)

  • Wetsuits and fins

  • Helmets (bike, sport)

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: NJ tax holiday 2023: Shop Costco Wholesale for back-to-school bargains