When Is NJ Sales Tax Due? Filing Deadlines for Your Business

New Jersey sales tax is a consumption tax businesses collect from customers on the sale of most tangible personal property and certain services. Businesses then remit these collected taxes to the New Jersey Division of Taxation. Timely compliance with these obligations is important for businesses operating within the state.

Determining Your Filing Frequency

The New Jersey Division of Taxation assigns a sales tax filing frequency to businesses, which dictates how often returns and payments are due. This assignment depends on the amount of sales tax a business collects. Businesses collecting less than $500 annually file annually. Those collecting between $500 and $30,000 annually file quarterly. Businesses collecting over $30,000 in the prior calendar year and more than $500 in either the first or second month of the current calendar quarter must file monthly. The Division of Taxation notifies businesses of their assigned frequency upon registration.

Key Filing Deadlines

New Jersey sales tax returns are due on the 20th day of the month following the reporting period. If this due date falls on a weekend or legal holiday, the deadline extends to the next business day. For monthly filers, the return for a given month is due by the 20th of the subsequent month; for instance, July sales tax is due by August 20th. Quarterly returns, covering three-month periods, are due on the 20th of the month following the end of the quarter; for example, the first quarter (January-March) return is due by April 20th. Annual filers submit their return by January 20th of the following year.

Gathering Information for Filing

Accurate sales tax filing requires organizing financial records. Businesses must compile data on total gross sales and total taxable sales made during the reporting period, including all sales subject to the 6.625% statewide sales tax rate. Account for any sales that qualify for deductions or exemptions. Maintain meticulous records such as sales invoices, exemption certificates, and reports from accounting software or cash registers. This information forms the basis for completing the New Jersey Sales and Use Tax Return, Form ST-50 for quarterly returns or ST-51 for monthly returns.

Submitting Your Sales Tax Return

Businesses submit their New Jersey sales tax return and remit payment after gathering all necessary information. The primary method for filing is online through the New Jersey Division of Taxation’s website. When filing online, businesses log into the state’s portal, select the appropriate sales tax form (e.g., ST-50 or ST-51), and input the calculated sales and tax figures. Payment can be made electronically via e-check (ACH debit), electronic funds transfer (EFT), or credit card, though credit card payments may incur additional fees. Businesses should ensure they receive a confirmation of their submission and payment for record-keeping.

Understanding Penalties and Interest

Failure to file sales tax returns or remit collected taxes by the due dates can result in penalties and interest from the New Jersey Division of Taxation. A penalty for late filing is 5% of the tax due for each month or part of a month the return is late, up to a maximum of 25%. An additional penalty of $100 per month may also be assessed for late returns. Interest accrues on any unpaid tax balance, calculated at the prime rate plus 3% per annum, compounded annually. Timely filing and payment avoid these additional costs.