This page provides essential information regarding key state-specific labor laws, employee rights, and compliance requirements for fully remote employees in New Jersey. Our goal is to ensure you have easy access to the necessary documents and information to understand your rights and obligations while working remotely in New Jersey.
Tax Withholdings
As a fully remote employee, you are responsible for ensuring the correct amount of federal and state income tax is withheld from your paycheck.
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Federal Income Tax: Complete Form W-4 (IRS) Employee's Withholding Allowance Certificate to figure the correct amount of federal income tax to have withheld from your paycheck.
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State Income Tax: As a fully remote employee working in New Jersey, you are required to complete Form NJ-W4, Employee’s Withholding Allowance Certificate. This form allows you to select your desired state income tax withholding. If you do not submit this form, your witholdings will be withheld at the default rate.
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State Reciprocal Agreement: New Jersey and Pennsylvania have a reciprocal tax agreement that simplifies tax obligations for residents working across state lines. As a fully remote employee who is a New Jersey resident with wage income from a Pennsylvania employer, this agreement generally means your earnings are subject to income tax only by New Jersey, your state of residence. To ensure Pennsylvania income tax is not withheld from your paycheck, you should complete PA Form REV-419 Employee's Nonwithholding Application Certificate. Submitting this form authorizes Lehigh to withhold New Jersey income tax, preventing potential double taxation and the need to file a Pennsylvania non-resident return for a refund later.
Please submit all completed forms to the Payroll Office via the secure Payroll Office FileSender.
Leave Policies
New Jersey has robust leave policies that may apply to remote employees, including:
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New Jersey Earned Sick Leave: Employees accrue paid sick leave that can be used for their own or a family member's illness, medical appointments, or issues related to domestic or sexual violence.
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New Jersey Family Leave Act (NJFLA): Provides eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of job-protected leave in a 24-month period to care for a family member with a serious health condition, or for the birth or adoption of a child. This is distinct from federal FMLA.
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New Jersey Family Leave Insurance (FLI) and Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI): These are wage replacement programs, funded by employee contributions, that provide benefits during periods of family leave or temporary disability.
For specific details on eligibility, covered reasons, and how to apply for benefits, please refer to the official New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development website.
Workplace Rights & Posters
Access important labor law posters and workers' compensation information relevant to employees in New Jersey. These posters provide a summary of various employment laws and worker protections.
Workers' Compensation
Worker's Compensation coverage extends to remote employees who suffer a work-related injury or illness while performing their job duties. For an injury to be covered, it must arise out of and in the course of employment. If you have any questions, please contact the Office of Risk Management.
How to Claim Unemployment Insurance Benefits
If you become unemployed through no fault of your own and meet eligibility requirements, you may be able to claim Unemployment Insurance Benefits through the
Important Note: This information is a summary and is subject to change. For complete details and the most current regulations, please refer to the official