You’re staring at a stack of paper. Maybe it’s the NJ-1040, or maybe you’re an out-of-state worker filing the NJ-1040NR. Either way, you’re done with the math, the coffee is cold, and now you just need to know where to send NJ tax return documents so the Division of Taxation doesn't come knocking.
It’s surprisingly easy to mess this up. Honestly, people get it wrong every single year because they assume every tax form goes to the same giant building in Trenton. It doesn't. New Jersey uses different P.O. Boxes depending on one very specific factor: Do you owe them money, or are they cutting you a check?
If you send a "payment due" return to the "refund" address, your check might sit in a sorting bin for weeks while interest accrues on your account. That’s a headache nobody needs.
The Logistics of Mailing Your NJ-1040
The New Jersey Division of Taxation operates out of Trenton, but they use a high-volume processing system handled through various post office boxes. Think of it like a digital sorting hat, but with more stamps and less magic.
When You Are Expecting a Refund (or No Payment is Due)
If the numbers worked out in your favor—or if you're just breaking even—you need the "Refund" address. This also applies if you are filing a return just to claim a credit, like the New Jersey Earned Income Tax Credit (NJEITC).
Mail these to:
State of New Jersey
Division of Taxation
Revenue Processing Center — Refunds
PO Box 555
Trenton, NJ 08647-0555
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When You Owe Money to the State
This is the one you can’t afford to miss. If you have a balance due, you’re sending your return to a different department that handles accounts receivable.
Mail these to:
State of New Jersey
Division of Taxation
Revenue Processing Center — Payments
PO Box 111
Trenton, NJ 08645-0111
You should make your check or money order payable to "State of New Jersey – TGI." Don't forget to write your Social Security number on the memo line. It sounds old-school, but if your check gets separated from your return, that's the only way they know whose debt is being paid.
Why the Address Actually Matters
You might think, "It’s all going to the same agency, right?" Sorta. But the Division of Taxation is a massive bureaucracy.
When you mail to PO Box 555, you’re entering a workflow optimized for verifying credits and triggering the automated refund system. When you mail to PO Box 111, you’re hitting the payment processing side. If you mix them up, a clerk has to manually re-route your mail. In the world of government processing, "manual" is another word for "slow."
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I’ve seen cases where taxpayers sent a payment to the refund box in April, and the payment wasn't officially "received" by the accounting department until May. Guess what? The state sent a delinquency notice because, on their screen, the money hadn't arrived by the deadline. You can usually fight those penalties, but who has the time?
What About the NJ-1040NR for Non-Residents?
If you live in Pennsylvania or New York but work in Jersey, things change slightly. You're likely filing the NJ-1040NR.
Generally, the addresses remain the same for non-resident returns regarding the split between payments and refunds. However, if you are using a private delivery service like FedEx or UPS—which cannot deliver to a P.O. Box—you have to use a physical street address.
For Private Couriers (FedEx/UPS/DHL):
New Jersey Division of Taxation
33 West State Street
1st Floor Lobby
Trenton, NJ 08608-1214
Just a heads up: the State of New Jersey strongly prefers the U.S. Postal Service for these filings. Using a private courier is usually more expensive and doesn't actually speed up the processing time once it hits the building.
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Common Mistakes That Delay Your Filing
Look, the address is just the first hurdle. If you want your return processed before the next decade begins, you have to avoid the "manual review" pile.
- The Staple Trap. Stop stapling things. Seriously. The Division of Taxation uses high-speed scanners. If you staple your W-2 to the front of your NJ-1040, a human has to sit there with a staple remover. Use a paperclip if you must, but most pros suggest just stacking the pages in the order listed on the form instructions.
- The "Check Inside" Mystery. If you owe money, don't just toss a loose check into the envelope. Use the payment voucher (Form NJ-1040-V). This tiny slip of paper has a scan bar that tells the system exactly who you are and why you're giving them money.
- Missing Signatures. You’d be shocked how many people do all the math and then forget to sign the bottom. An unsigned return isn't a legal return. They’ll mail it back to you, and if that happens after the deadline, you’re technically late.
The "Certified Mail" Secret
If you are mailing your return close to the April 15th deadline (or the applicable date for the current year), use Certified Mail with a Return Receipt. Why? Because the "mailbox rule" applies. As long as your envelope is postmarked by the deadline, it’s considered on time. If the USPS loses your return—and let’s be real, it happens—the only way to prove you filed on time is that little white and green receipt. It’s the cheapest insurance policy you’ll ever buy. It costs a few bucks and saves you hundreds in potential late-filing penalties.
Addressing the "Do I Even Need to Mail This?" Question
Honestly? Most people shouldn't be mailing anything in 2026.
New Jersey has been pushing hard for "NJ Fill-In," a free way to file online directly through the state’s website. If you file electronically, you get your refund in about two weeks. If you mail it, you’re looking at six to twelve weeks. Maybe more if there’s a backlog.
But I get it. Some people have complex returns, or they just prefer the tactile feel of paper. If you’re a paper person, just make sure your handwriting is legible. The scanners are good, but they aren't psychics. If your '7' looks like a '1', you're going to have a bad time.
Final Checklist Before You Lick the Envelope
- Did you include your W-2s and any 1099s that show NJ tax withheld?
- Is your Social Security number correct on every single page?
- Did you sign it? (Double-check this. Seriously.)
- Is the check made out to "State of New Jersey – TGI"?
- Are you using the right PO Box? (Box 555 for refunds, Box 111 for payments).
If you’ve ticked those boxes, you’re good to go. Get it to the post office, get your receipt, and go enjoy your life.
Actionable Next Steps
- Confirm your balance: Open your tax software or look at Line 80 of your NJ-1040. If that number is positive, you owe. If Line 77 is higher, you're getting a refund.
- Print your voucher: If you owe money, ensure you have Form NJ-1040-V printed and ready. Do not send a check without it.
- Locate a Certified Mail-enabled post office: Not all drop boxes allow for the tracking you need. A quick trip to the counter ensures your postmark is legible and your proof of mailing is stamped.
- Check for local updates: Occasionally, the State of New Jersey may change P.O. boxes due to regional processing shifts. Before you drop the envelope, a 30-second glance at the official NJ Division of Taxation website under the "Contact" or "Where to Mail" section can confirm no last-minute changes have occurred for the 2025-2026 tax season.