CNBC 2025 · #30 of 50

New Jersey

Moderate
Overall score
79 /100

Rank: #30 of 50

Category breakdown

All 10 CNBC categories — score out of category max, rank among 50 states.

Economy #31 221/445
Infrastructure #21 218/405
Workforce #14 205/335
Cost of Doing Business #38 108/295
Business Friendliness #49 35/270
Quality of Life #3 201/265
Technology & Innovation #16 151/255
Education #7 69/110
Access to Capital #11 42/60
Cost of Living #37 23/60

CNBC methodology — 10 categories, 2,500 points max

Founder Snapshot

Lite operational context for New Jersey — what to know before operating here. Sourced public facts, separate from CNBC scores.

Tax posture

New Jersey corporate business tax tops out at 9% (plus surcharges on larger liabilities). Personal income tax is progressive up to 10.75%.

Source: New Jersey Division of Taxation — CBT

Business registration

Register entities through the New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services.

Source: New Jersey Division of Revenue

Compliance calendar

Annual reports are due by the end of the anniversary month; CBT returns follow separate deadlines.

Source: New Jersey Division of Revenue — Annual Report

Multi-state heads-up

If you operate outside New Jersey or hire remotely — informational, not legal advice.

Remote sales & economic nexus

Remote sellers must collect New Jersey sales tax once economic nexus thresholds are exceeded.

Source: New Jersey Division of Taxation — Sales & Use

Remote employees & payroll

New Jersey employers must register for withholding and unemployment insurance.

Source: New Jersey Division of Taxation — Employers

Also applies across state lines

Regulatory Pulse

Recent regulatory changes in New Jersey — sourced public updates for founders operating here.