¿Los impuestos son lo suficientemente altos en Nueva Jersey? El aumento de impuestos de Murphy desde el primer día - ¡Cuidado, la próxima elección se acerca!

Trenton, NJ – March 5, 2025 – As Governor Phil Murphy nears the end of his tenure, his administration’s fiscal policies have left a significant mark on New Jersey, characterized by multiple tax increases and toll hikes aimed at funding infrastructure, transit, and social programs. Since taking office in January 2018, Murphy has overseen at least 15 distinct tax increases on existing and new items, alongside several toll adjustments on major state roadways. With the proposed 2026 budget introducing additional revenue measures, residents and critics alike are reflecting on the cumulative impact of these changes under his leadership.

Tax Increases Under Murphy

Murphy’s administration has implemented or proposed a range of tax hikes, targeting both existing taxable categories and previously untaxed items. Here’s a breakdown of the key instances:

Existing Items (9 Times):

Millionaires Tax (2020) – Raised income tax on earnings over $1 million from 8.97% to 10.75%.

Corporate Business Tax Surcharge (2020) – Reinstated a 2.5% surcharge on corporate profits over $1 million.

Gas Tax (2018–2024) – Adjusted annually, with notable increases of 4.3 cents (2018), 2 cents (2019), 9.3 cents (2020), and a 2.6-cent hike in 2025 (part of a five-year plan through 2029).

Cigarette Tax (Proposed 2026) – Proposed increase from $2.70 to $3.00 per pack.

Alcohol Tax (Proposed 2026) – Proposed 10% increase on alcoholic beverages.

Internet Gaming and Sports Betting Taxes (Proposed 2026) – Proposed hikes from 15% to 25% (internet gambling) and 13% to 25% (sports betting).

Realty Transfer Fee (Proposed 2026) – Proposed increases from 1% to 2% for homes between $1 million and $2 million, and to 3% for sales over $2 million.

Cannabis Social Equity Excise Fee (Proposed 2026) – Proposed rise from $2.50 to $15 per ounce.

Vaping Liquid Tax (Proposed 2026) – Proposed increase from 10 cents to 30 cents per mL.

New Items (6 Times):

Corporate Transit Fee (2024) – Introduced a 2.5% fee on companies with over $10 million in annual net income for NJ Transit.

Electric Vehicle Registration Fee (2024) – Introduced an annual fee starting at $250, rising to $290 by 2028.

Warehouse Truck Traffic Fee (Proposed 2026) – Proposed $2 fee per truck trip.

Drone Tax (Proposed 2026) – Proposed excise tax on certain drones.

Intoxicating Hemp Products Tax (Proposed 2026) – Proposed $30 per ounce tax.

Newly Taxable Services (Proposed 2026) – Proposed sales tax on services like laser tag, bowling, and massage therapy.

These measures, totaling at least 15, reflect Murphy’s strategy to bolster state revenue amid economic challenges and infrastructure needs. Critics, particularly Republicans, argue that the burden falls heavily on businesses and middle-class residents, despite Murphy’s emphasis on affordability.

Toll Increases Under Murphy’s Leadership

In addition to tax hikes, tolls on New Jersey’s major roadways have risen multiple times during Murphy’s tenure, often tied to funding the Transportation Trust Fund (TTF) and NJ Transit. Below are the documented increases:

• Aumento de peaje de 2020 (aprobado antes de Murphy, implementado bajo su vigilancia)
• New Jersey Turnpike y Garden State Parkway: Aumentaron un 36% y un 27%, respectivamente, como parte de un plan de 2020 aprobado bajo el ex gobernador Chris Christie pero promulgado en septiembre de 2020. El precio promedio de las autopistas aumentó de $3.50 a $4.80; Parkway de $1.50 a $1.90. Murphy permitió que este plan preexistente continúe, citando las necesidades de infraestructura.
• 2023 Carga de recorrido de Nueva Jersey y Garden State Parkway: Aumentó un 3% el 1 de enero de 2023, agregando aproximadamente 15 centavos al viaje promedio (Turnpike a $4.95, Parkway a $1.96). Murphy inicialmente vetó un aumento propuesto del 3% en octubre de 2023, pero permitió este aumento anterior.
• 2024 Carga de cobro de Nueva Jersey Turnpike y Garden State Parkway: Aumentado en un 3% el 1 de enero de 2024, aumentando los costos medios en aproximadamente 15 centavos (Turnpike a $5.10, Parkway a $2.02).
• Atlantic City Expressway: También aumentó un 3%, añadiendo 12 centavos al peaje promedio (de $4.01 a $4.13).
• 2025 Toll Hike Nueva Jersey Turnpike, Garden State Parkway y Atlantic City Expressway: Aumentó en un 3% el 1 de enero de 2025, agregando un promedio de 16 centavos por viaje (Turnpike a $5.25, Parkway a $2.08, Expressway a $4.25).

This hike aligns with the TTF’s revenue goals under Murphy’s 2024 reauthorization.

Context and Controversy

Murphy’s administration defends these increases as necessary to modernize transportation infrastructure and support NJ Transit, which faced a $900 million fiscal cliff in 2024. The gas tax adjustments, tied to a 2016 law but accelerated under Murphy, and the new Corporate Transit Fee are highlighted as key funding mechanisms. However, the toll hikes—totaling four significant adjustments since 2020—have drawn ire from commuters and lawmakers, especially given Murphy’s opposition to New York’s congestion pricing while raising costs at home.

Republicans, including Assemblymember Nancy Munoz, have criticized Murphy for “killing affordable public transit” and burdening residents with higher costs. Meanwhile, transit advocates praise the dedicated funding but question its long-term stability. Posts on X reflect public frustration, with users like @AWokeZombie
calling out the “fraud” of opposing external tolls while taxing New Jerseyans.

Looking Ahead

With Murphy’s term ending in January 2026, his fiscal legacy—marked by at least 15 tax increases and four toll hikes—will be a central issue in the 2025 gubernatorial race. The proposed 2026 budget, with $1.2 billion in new taxes and fees, awaits legislative approval by June 30, 2025, potentially adding to this tally. As New Jersey braces for federal funding uncertainties under a new Trump administration, the debate over Murphy’s tax-and-toll approach continues to intensify.