A new survey finds residents favor a Billionaires Tax above all other new levies, followed by penalties for price gouging and chronic understaffing.
TRENTON, NJ – In a state long known for its high property bills and tight household budgets, a new survey suggests that many New Jerseyans aren’t calling for fewer taxes — they just want them aimed in a different direction. According to a study by PDFExpert.com, more than 3,000 residents were asked what new tax or penalty they’d like introduced in 2026, and their top choice was clear: a Billionaires Tax.
Key Points
- A statewide poll of 3,000 residents found the Billionaires Tax was New Jersey’s most desired new levy for 2026.
- The Price-Gouging Tax and Understaffing Penalty Tax followed as the next two most supported measures.
- 62% of respondents said the state is missing key taxes that could improve life locally.
Wealth at the top, frustration at the bottom
For many in New Jersey, the idea of a Billionaires Tax isn’t new — it’s personal. In a state where some of the nation’s wealthiest ZIP codes share borders with towns struggling under rising property taxes, residents increasingly see fairness in asking the ultra-rich to pay more. Supporters told researchers the tax would help stabilize schools, public transit, and community services, spreading the financial burden beyond the middle class.
The findings reflect a wider sentiment across the country that the tax system rewards those who already have the most. According to the poll, 76% of respondents believe companies should face financial penalties for practices that hurt productivity or workers — a sign that residents are open to new forms of fiscal accountability.
Pushback on profiteering and short staffing
Second on the list, the proposed Price-Gouging Tax drew strong support from respondents who say they’re tired of paying inflated prices during emergencies or supply shortages. Whether it’s gas spikes, grocery markups, or winter storm price surges, New Jerseyans say companies exploiting those moments should face a penalty.
Coming in third was the Understaffing Penalty Tax, aimed at businesses that deliberately keep staff levels too low to save money. From crowded hospitals to overworked restaurant teams, many see understaffing not as an unavoidable issue but as a corporate choice that hurts both workers and consumers.
Inequality and affordability drive opinions
Beyond the top three taxes, the study revealed that 30% of respondents view addressing inequality as the most legitimate reason to introduce new taxes, followed closely by 26% citing consumer protection and another 26% pointing to housing stability.
When asked what a new tax should target first, nearly four in ten pointed to wealth inequality, while housing affordability (20%) and corporate behavior (18%) trailed behind. Rising prices ranked as the single most pressing issue, with 48% saying that’s the area a new tax should fix first.
New Jersey wants accountability
Ultimately, the poll shows that 62% of residents believe their state is missing important taxes that could make life fairer and more balanced. The results suggest that frustration isn’t just about how much New Jerseyans pay — it’s about who pays what, and why.
