Senator Carmen Amato has renewed her call to bring back the annual sales tax holiday for school supplies in New Jersey. The holiday, which was eliminated by Governor Phil Murphy during last year’s state budget negotiations, previously allowed families and educators to purchase school-related items without paying state sales tax. Its removal reportedly resulted in an additional $35 million in taxes paid by shoppers during the 2024 back-to-school season.
“Taking away this critical tax relief has only made it harder for New Jersey families to afford their children’s education,” said Sen. Amato. “Reinstating the back-to-school sales tax holiday is a simple, common-sense step that provides much-needed relief to families and educators.”
Amato also addressed broader concerns about rising costs in the state. “With new tax hikes, the threat of even higher property taxes, and an affordability crisis that is out of control, it’s time for Trenton to reduce the burden on households and start putting taxpayers first,” she said.
Senator Amato’s proposed legislation, S-3654, would restore the sales tax holiday each year from August 1 through September 30. The bill would exempt computers priced under $3,000 per item, school computer supplies under $1,000 per item, as well as school and art supplies and instructional materials from state sales tax. The full text of the bill is available online.
