TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey lawmakers have introduced a bill to exempt personal hygiene and specific baby care items from the state’s 6.625% sales tax.
Senate Bill No. 4580, introduced on Thursday, is sponsored by Senators Parker Space (R-24) and Kristin M. Corrado (R-40). If passed, it would remove sales tax on items like soap, shampoo, toothpaste, mouthwash, deodorant, and sunscreen. The exemption would apply regardless of whether the product is classified as an over-the-counter drug, addressing an ongoing issue where such items are taxed under the current Sales and Use Tax Act.
The bill also proposes sales tax exemptions for various baby care products, including child restraint systems, cribs, nursing bottles, strollers, and other defined items.
Aiming to Cut Household Costs
Supporters of the bill argue that it would ease financial burdens on households by removing tax from essential health and safety products. The proposed law would take effect on the first day of the second month after the governor’s approval, applying to all qualifying sales made after that date.
The bill amends existing laws under the Sales and Use Tax Act, ensuring that exemptions only apply to essential care and infant safety items.
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