Senator Carmen Amato (R-9) has renewed her call to bring back New Jersey’s annual sales tax holiday for school supplies, a program that was eliminated during the previous year’s state budget negotiations under Governor Murphy. The removal of the tax break resulted in parents, teachers, and other shoppers paying an estimated $35 million more in state taxes 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.”
“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,” added Sen. Amato.
Senator Amato has introduced bill S-3654 to restore the sales tax holiday. If enacted, the holiday would run annually from August 1 through September 30. The exemption would apply to 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.
The full text of Senator Amato’s proposed legislation can be accessed online.
