NEW JERSEY — New Jersey has the fifth highest overall state and local tax rate in the country, according to a new WalletHub report released ahead of Tax Day.
In its annual ranking of states with the highest and lowest tax rates, WalletHub placed New Jersey 47th overall, meaning only four states have lower effective state and local tax rates. The study ranked states from lowest to highest tax burden.
The report also ranked New Jersey 47th for overall effective state and local tax rate and 51st for real estate taxes.
The findings were released alongside WalletHub’s 2026 Taxpayer Survey, which highlights Americans’ views on taxes and affordability.
According to the survey, 78% of Americans say they are more worried about affordability than taxes right now. At the same time, 66% believe their current tax rate is too high.
The survey also found strong support for simplifying the filing process, with 95% of respondents saying filing taxes should be free.
More than four in five Americans said people should budget throughout the year to prepare for tax payments, the survey found.
