Empire State Taxpayers
In 2023, New York state residents paid an estimated $102 billion in taxes. This amount covers income tax, sales tax, property tax, and other local taxes. The income tax alone accounted for a significant portion, driven by the state’s progressive tax rates. Sales tax added another layer, as consumer spending remained strong. Property taxes also contributed heavily, reflecting high real estate values. Overall, New Yorkers faced one of the highest tax burdens in the nation, impacting their disposable income.
In 2023, New York City residents paid around $88 billion in taxes. This figure includes income, property, and sales taxes. The total reflects the city’s diverse revenue sources. Income tax accounted for a significant portion, driven by high earners. Property tax also contributed heavily, given the city’s rising real estate values. Sales tax revenue continued to grow as consumer spending increased. Overall, the tax burden on residents remained substantial, impacting their financial decisions.
The Truth: Taxpayer Money Is Wasted Due To Lack Of Oversight
Over the past 25 years, it has been estimated that millions of taxpayer dollars have been lost to fraud in the state of New York. Fraudulent activities such as embezzlement, kickbacks, and false billing have cost the state significant amounts of money that could have otherwise been used for essential public services and programs. These fraudulent activities can have devastating effects on the economy and society as a whole, draining public funds and eroding public trust in government institutions.
One of the main reasons why taxpayer money has been lost to fraud in New York is due to a lack of oversight and monitoring of government spending. In many cases, individuals and businesses have been able to exploit weaknesses in the system to defraud the government and illegally obtain funds. Additionally, some officials may turn a blind eye to fraudulent activities in order to benefit personally or politically, further exacerbating the problem of fraud in the state.
To combat fraud and protect taxpayer money, it is essential that the government implements stricter regulations and enforcement measures to prevent and detect fraudulent activities. This includes increasing transparency in government spending, conducting regular audits and investigations, and holding individuals and businesses accountable for fraudulent behavior. By taking proactive steps to address fraud in New York, the state can save millions of dollars in taxpayer money and ensure that public funds are used effectively and efficiently for the benefit of all citizens.
The Current System is… Unfair
Retired members of the FDNY and NYPD often receive pensions that exceed the salaries of many NYC taxpayers. This situation raises questions about fairness and sustainability in public service benefits. While these retirees served their communities, the contrast in income can be striking. Some city workers find it hard to make ends meet, while former first responders enjoy comfortable retirements. This disparity highlights the need for a review of how pension systems balance reward for service against the realities faced by current taxpayers.
NYPD
Pensions Surpass $3B
FDNY
Average New NYC Fire Pensions Surpass $150k
NY State & Local
Pension costs will rise in ’25
