About UEZ

Urban Enterprise Zone Authority

New Jersey's Urban Enterprise (UEZ) Authority (enacted in 1983) is in the Department of Community Affairs. The UEZ Program exists to foster an economic climate that revitalizes designated urban communities and stimulates their growth by encouraging businesses to develop and create private sector jobs through public and private investment.

The UEZ Program offers participating businesses incentives that encourage business growth and stimulate local economies. Over 6,700 certified UEZ businesses participate and benefit from the advantages of the program.

As of July 1, 2011, a number of tax and other financial incentives are available on line through the New Jersey Business Action Center at www.newjerseybusiness.gov. Click on the UEZ link to determine if your firm is in a zone and if you qualify for the program.  If you do, you may complete your registration, reporting and sales tax payments on line from your computer.

Benefits to UEZ firms include:

  • Businesses participating in the UEZ Program can charge half the standard sales tax rate on certain purchases, currently 3.3125% effective 1/1/2018.
  • UEZ businesses may enjoy tax exemptions on certain purchases including capital equipment acquired and investments made to build a new facility, expand, or upgrade an existing facility.
  • The New Jersey Business Action Center plays a key role in helping grow, retain and attract business to the State. The center serves as a “one-stop” shop for business. The team at the Center works to encourage entrepreneurship by supporting New Jersey’s businesses of all sizes, supporting global competitiveness of New Jersey companies, as well as to promote the State’s attractiveness as a vacation destination and business investment location nationally and internationally.
  • Business Retention and Relocation Assistance Grant, available through the EDA, (“BRRAG”) for relocation and retention of at least 250 non-retail jobs where the grant is a material factor.  Special limitations/bonuses for UEZs.
  • Assistance from the New Jersey Department of Labor through its One Stop Centers in hiring, training, and retraining existing or new employees.

New Jersey Urban Enterprise Zone Program Assessment 2019

New Jersey Urban Enterprise Zone Program Assessment February 2011 

There are 32 active zones in 37 municipalities throughout New Jersey. For more information regarding the UEZ Program, contact:

James Slaughter, Executive Director
Urban Enterprise Zone Authority
Department of Community Affairs
101 South Broad Street
1st Floor
Trenton, NJ 08625
(609) 292-1912 main
(877) 913-6837 UEZ Help Desk