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Newark · Buying & selling

Utility users tax in Newark

Newark's own rules on utility users tax, with the code text for every value.

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Each rule below links to the section of the Newark Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What Newark's code says

Newark code What Newark's code adds
Tax on electricity
  • three and one-quarter percent of electricity charges
    Applies: Since January 1, 2016 (was three and one-half percent)
    § 3.18.060 · code text
    The tax imposed by this section shall be at the rate of three and one-half percent of the charges made for such electricity, and for any supplemental services or other associated activities directly related to and/or necessary for the provision of electricity to the service users that are provided by a service supplier or non-utility service supplier to a service user.
Tax on gas
  • three and one-quarter percent of gas charges
    Applies: Since January 1, 2016
    § 3.18.070 · code text
    Effective January 1, 2016, and thereafter, the rate shall be reduced to three and one-quarter percent.
Exemptions
  • Residents in PG&E's CARE Program are exempt from gas and electric tax; phone or video tax exemption may also apply.
    Applies: The person must live at the service location; nonresidential locations do not qualify.
    § 3.18.030 · code text
    A residential service user shall be exempt from the gas and electric tax of this chapter if he or she is qualified and is enrolled in Pacific Gas and Electric Company's (PG&E) CARE Program ("California Alternate Rates for Energy" program).
  • A resident living alone or with a spouse or partner is exempt if at least one is 70 or older.
    Applies: Apply to the tax administrator on the form; a DMV driver's license or ID card proves age.
    § 3.18.030 · code text
    An exemption from any tax imposed under this chapter shall be granted to any residential service user who is seventy years of age or older if such service user resides alone or if he or she shares his or her residence with a spouse or a registered domestic partner, and at least one spouse or partner meets the age criteria for the exemption.
Tax on water, phone or cable
  • three and one-quarter percent of telecommunication charges
    Applies: Telecommunication services, since January 1, 2016 (was three and one-half percent)
    § 3.18.040 · code text
    The tax imposed by this section shall be at the rate of three and one-half percent of the charges made for such services and shall be collected from the service user by the telecommunication services supplier or its billing agent.

Who this affects

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Frequently asked questions

Does Newark charge a utility users tax?

Newark's code: three and one-quarter percent of electricity charges (Since January 1, 2016 (was three and one-half percent)) (§ 3.18.060); three and one-quarter percent of gas charges (Since January 1, 2016) (§ 3.18.070).

General information, not legal advice.

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