How to file a New Jersey sales tax return

by TaxJar November 1, 2023

Please note: This blog was originally published in 2019. It’s since been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

New Jersey doesn’t make it easy to file sales tax returns, which is why we created TaxJar. TaxJar’s state reports simplify the process of filing a return and can save you hours spent on managing sales tax. We wrote this post as a step-by-step guide for using TaxJar’s report to fill in the info you need to file your New Jersey sales tax return.

If you’d rather not spend time filing a New Jersey sales tax return ever again, enroll in TaxJar AutoFile and let us handle it. Never worry about missing a due dates or remember your state login and password again! Learn how TaxJar AutoFile can solve your sales tax headaches.

What you’ll need

In order to file your sales tax return, it’s important to gather a few key documents and pieces of information.

Every state has specific requirements. Generally, we recommend:

Your TaxJar sales tax report
Your New Jersey sales and use tax account number
Your state-assigned filing frequency
Your New Jersey electronic filing login details (ie: Your NJ Sales Tax PIN Number OR your Registered Business Name)
Your 9 digit FEIN (No dashes or spaces
Your bank account number and routing number that you’d like to use for sales tax payment

Note: In some states, you’ll need additional verification pieces like a Letter ID (ie: Hawaii), an identification number (ie: Kansas) a limited access code (in California), etc. Be prepared to take a few extra steps to ensure your account is secure.

Once you’ve gathered the items above, you’re ready to file your return.

Steps to manually filing a sales tax return in New Jersey

Open your TaxJar Report for New Jersey
Select the Record Filing button at the top of your report
Use the links on the top right to locate the state’s filing website or download a paper form
Copy the information from your TaxJar New Jersey Report into the state’s website. View detailed instructions on using TaxJar Reports to file a return including a note on how to file when Marketplace Facilitator Tax collected
- The form may ask you for the following details:
  - Line 1. Gross Receipts for Quarter (To Nearest Dollar)
  Where to find this in your TaxJar Report: This will be your TaxJar Gross Sales Total and round UP to the nearest dollar. (e.g., $743.54 would be $744.)
  - Line 2. Deductions (To Nearest Dollar)
  To get this number: Use your calculator (just this once!) to subtract your rounded Taxed Sales Total (Line 1) from your Rounded Gross Sales total (You’ll find this number in Line 3.)
  - Line 3. Balance Subject To Tax (Line 1 minus Line 2)
  Where to find this in your TaxJar Report: This will be the “Taxed Sales” total in your TaxJar Report rounded to the nearest dollar
  - Line 4. Sales Tax Due (Greater of amount collected or applicable rate of Line 3.)
  Where to find this in your TaxJar Report: This is the number you see under Minimum Sales Tax Due in your NJ Actual Sales Tax Collected Report.)
  - Line 5. Use Tax Due
  Enter the amount of Use Tax Due. If you don’t have Use Tax Due, enter $0
  - Line 6. Total Tax Due (Line 4 plus Line 5)
  Click “Calculate” to have the form verify how much you’ll owe.
  - Line 7. Total Monthly Payments Previously Made (e.g. Month 1 plus Month 2 of this Quarter)
  Enter the totals of any previous payments you made against this return during the filing period. If you have not made previous payments, enter $0
  
  Now click “SUBMIT” and the form will let you know if any errors are in the form. The state website will calculate the amounts in Lines 8-10:
  - Line 8. Quarterly Amount Due (Line 6 minus Line 7)
  - Line 9. Penalty and Interest
  - Line 10. Adjusted Amount due (Line 8 plus Line 9)
  If the form doesn’t find errors, click “SUBMIT THIS RETURN.”
  
  Next, click “File and Pay”.
  
  On the next page, enter the required Company Contact Information. This page will prompt you to answer this question: “Will the funds for the payment come from an account outside of the United States?”
  
  Then, you’ll need to enter your bank account and routing details, along with the Settlement Date (the date you are filing) of the return. Click SUBMIT.
  
  On the next page, verify all details are correct, then click the “yes” button to authorize the state to withdraw the payment from your account. If the return is late, the state will also add penalties and interest.
  
  Click “Submit E-Check Transmission and File Return.”
Remit payment directly with the state
Record your filing & payment with TaxJar for organized sales tax records and easy-access at a later date

State resources to help you file your return

New Jersey knows that filing a sales tax return can be hard, so they provide resources to business owners to help teach you how to file.

New Jersey state information

Need more help?

We get it. Sometimes it just helps to talk to someone. At TaxJar we provide general education, but we’re not CPAs. As much as we’d like to help, we aren’t able to give specific recommendations or advice for your business. However, we’re pleased to connect you with one of our recommended sales tax partners.

We maintain a list of vetted sales tax experts that can help with all things sales tax from registration assistance to general consulting and advice. These partners are familiar with the ins and outs of e-commerce sales tax and are here to help you.

How TaxJar can help

As you can see, sales tax compliance is challenging. There are so many important details that businesses must be aware of to stay compliant and avoid penalties. TaxJar can make compliance easier, by managing all the different aspects, including keeping you updated on where you have nexus, registering for sales tax permits, and automating sales tax filing and remittance. To learn more about TaxJar and get started automating your sales tax compliance, start a free, 30-day trial today.