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New Jersey Grocery Tax (2026)
Permitted: Most food sold as grocery items is exempt from sales tax; candy, soft drinks, and prepared food are taxable.
General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.
Grocery Tax in states bordering New Jersey
The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.
- DelawarePermitted
No state or local sales tax at all, so groceries are never taxed at the register.
Verified Jul 5, 2026 · Source: revenue.delaware.gov · Full Delaware rule →
- New YorkPermitted
Groceries (food and food products sold by food stores) are exempt from sales tax. Exceptions are taxable: heated or prepared ready-to-eat food, sandwiches, carbonated beverages, and candy (Tax Law §1115(a)(1); TB-ST-283).
Verified Jul 17, 2026 · Source: tax.ny.gov · Full New York rule →
- PennsylvaniaPermitted
Food that is not ready-to-eat (groceries), along with candy and gum, is exempt from the 6% sales tax. Ready-to-eat/prepared food and food sold by a caterer or eating establishment are taxable.
Verified Jul 18, 2026 · Source: pa.gov · Full Pennsylvania rule →
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