New York Tax & License

Income Tax

Income tax in New York follows a graduated scale based on your taxable income and filing status. The state tax you owe will also be affected by any applicable deductions and credits. The state automatically gives the New York State household credit, the city of New York school tax credit, and the city of New York household credit to taxpayers who qualify. The New York State household credit is applied against the New York State personal income tax. If the credit exceeds that tax, the excess is not refundable, and any unused credit may not be carried over to a future year. For details or answers to specific questions, contact:

New York State Department of Taxation & Finance
Information 800-225-5829
www.tax.state.ny.us

Tax Forms & Instructions
Form Orders 800-462-8100
www.tax.state.ny.us/forms

New York State Department of Taxation & Finance
Westchester District Office
90 South Ridge Street
Rye Brook

Online or Phone Tax Payments

In addition to e-filing and tele-filing options in New York, it is possible to make your tax payment online or via the telephone using one of these two services:

Official Payments Corporation
800-2PAYTAX
www.officialpayments.com

Link2Gov Corporation
866-TAXESNY
www.nytaxpayment.com

Sales & Use Tax

The amount of sales and use tax you pay in New York will depend upon the locality. The state rate is 4 percent but counties, cities, and other taxing jurisdictions add to this rate. Most tangible personal property is subject to taxation. Some exempt items include pharmaceuticals and medication, certain medical equipment, periodicals, and most food items. You will owe state and local sales or use tax directly to the Tax Department if you purchase property or a service that was delivered in New York State without paying local taxes such as an Internet or catalog order or television shopping. For answers to specific questions, contact:

New York State Department of Taxation & Finance
Information 518-485-6800
www.tax.state.ny.us

Property Taxes

In New York State, almost all property is assessed locally by assessors who are appointed or elected at the municipal level. Once the market value of the property has been determined, which is the price most people would pay for a property in its current condition, the assessment can be calculated according to current rates. On a state level, the valuation standards serve as guidelines in valuing property "ad valorem" real property taxation. For more information, contact your local or county assessor. [More]

Pet Licenses

Although municipalities may have their own regulations regarding pets, New York State law requires that dogs be licensed annually by age six months. License fees are lower for neutered pets, which contributes to owner responsibility and over-population. Dogs must wear a collar with an identification tag with the license number in any public place. Every dog and cat at least three months of age must be immunized against rabies annually. For details on local regulations, contact your municipal or county animal control officer.

Voting Resources

Persons 18 or older may register to vote after 30 days of residency by filling out and returning forms available from each county’s Board of Elections. Registration requirements include U.S. citizenship for at least 30 days and being at least 18 years old by the day after the election. You must also be a resident of your election district for at least 30 days prior to the election.

Many options are available for registration, including completing the paperwork at the time you register and title your care or obtain a New York drivers license. You can register at the courthouse of the county in which you reside or by mail if you obtain a mail-in form at the appropriate municipal office or post office.

League of Women Voters

This non-profit, non-partisan political organization not only assists in registering voters, it offers information to the public regarding current candidates, elections, national and state legislators, government agencies and services, and pending legislation. This organization also conducts debates and forums between candidates and influences public policy through education and advocacy. [More]

Hunting & Fishing Licensing

Licensing is required in New York for hunting and fishing. Annual licenses are available at town clerk offices, most sporting goods shops, and select major retail stores. A previously issued hunting/trapping license or training certificate must be submitted with the hunting application. Juniors must appear in person with parent or legal guardian to apply for a junior license and present appropriate proof of age and sportsman education. Fees vary depending upon the status of the licensee and the type of license or stamp desired. Residents may also purchase a Lifetime License that includes a permanent ID card, back tag, and lifetime service. [More]

Federal Tax Resources
Administration on Aging 202-619-0724 View Website	Federal Income Tax Internal Revenue Service 800-829-1040 View Website
Health & Human Services 877-696-6775 View Website	IRS Tax Forms Line 800-829-3676
IRS Tele-tax 800-829-4477	Social Security Administration 800-772-1213 View Website
Voter Resources
Board of Elections
Dutchess County 47 Cannon Street Poughkeepsie 845-486-2473 View Website	Orange County 25 Court Lane Goshen 845-291-2444 View Website
Putnam County One Geneva Drive Brewster 845-278-6970 View Website	Rockland County 11 New Hempstead Road New City 845-638 - 5172 View Website
Ulster County 284 Wall Street Kingston 845-334-5470 View Website	Westchester County 25 Quarropas Street White Plains 914-995-5700 View Website
Political Parties
National Democratic Committee Washington, DC 202-863-8000 View Website	National Republican Committee Washington, DC 202-863-8700 View Website
New York State Democratic Party New York 212-725-8825 View Website	New York State Republican Committee Albany 518-462-2601 View Website