New Jersey gas tax going up

Oct 11, 2016 | Gail Cole

The new look of New Jersey gas stations?

It seems pretty much a done deal. The New Jersey legislature on Friday approved a plan created by Governor Chris Christie (R) and leaders of the Assembly and Senate. The governor relaxed his long-standing opposition of a gas tax increase and agreed to raise the gas tax by 23 cents per gallon. To help ease that burden, the plan creates numerous tax cuts and breaks—notably, it reduces the state sales and use tax and estate tax.

24 members of the Senate voted in favor of the Assembly Bill 12 (14 against), while the Assembly approved it 45-27. It was sent to the governor’s desk on Friday afternoon, and he is expected to sign it. The bill does not specify when the gas tax would take effect, but according to Senator Paul Sarlo (D), “The higher prices will likely be reflected at the pump by November 1” (WSJ).

Ken Grant of AAA Mid-Atlantic expects Delaware gas stations to benefit from the deal. New Jersey currently has the least expensive gas in the region, but once the tax increase takes effect, that honor will fall to Delaware.

Sales tax rates, rules, and regulations change frequently. Although we hope you'll find this information helpful, this blog is for informational purposes only and does not provide legal or tax advice.

Avalara Author

Gail Cole

Avalara Author Gail Cole

Gail began researching and writing about sales tax in 2012 and has been fascinated with it ever since. She has a penchant for uncovering unusual tax facts, and endeavors to make complex sales tax laws more digestible for both experts and laypeople.