New York City
Sales Tax Calculator
Calculate NYC sales tax instantly for all five boroughs. The same rate applies to Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island.
About New York Sales Tax
NYC Sales Tax Rate by Borough
All five boroughs of New York City have the same sales tax rate of 8.875%. This includes 4% state tax, 4.5% NYC local tax, and 0.375% MCTD tax.
| Borough | County | Population | Sales Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manhattan | New York | 1,694,251 | 8.875% |
| Brooklyn | Kings | 2,736,074 | 8.875% |
| Queens | Queens | 2,405,464 | 8.875% |
| The Bronx | Bronx | 1,472,654 | 8.875% |
| Staten Island | Richmond | 495,747 | 8.875% |
Note: The rate is uniform across all NYC boroughs. The MCTD tax applies to all five boroughs plus surrounding counties.
How to Calculate Sales Tax in NYC
Reverse Calculation
Know the total? Divide by 1.08875 to find the pre-tax price. Example: $108.88 ÷ 1.08875 = $100.00
What's Taxed?
Understanding NYC Sales Tax Components
State Tax: 4%
The New York State sales tax rate is 4%, which applies throughout the entire state.
NYC Tax: 4.5%
New York City adds a 4.5% local sales tax that applies to all five boroughs.
MCTD: 0.375%
The Metropolitan Commuter Transportation District tax funds the MTA transit system.
Total Combined Rate: 4% + 4.5% + 0.375% = 8.875%. This rate is the same across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island.
NYC vs. Other New York Cities
See how NYC's sales tax compares to other major cities in New York State
| City | County | Population | Sales Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York City ⭐ | All 5 Boroughs | 8,804,190 | 8.875% |
| Buffalo | Erie | 278,349 | 8.750% |
| Yonkers | Westchester | 211,569 | 8.500% |
| Rochester | Monroe | 211,328 | 8.000% |
| Albany | Albany | 99,224 | 8.000% |
| New Rochelle | Westchester | 79,726 | 8.000% |
| Mount Vernon | Westchester | 73,893 | 8.000% |
| Schenectady | Schenectady | 67,047 | 8.000% |
| Utica | Oneida | 65,283 | 8.750% |
| White Plains | Westchester | 59,559 | 8.000% |
| Troy | Rensselaer | 51,401 | 8.000% |
NYC vs. Neighboring Areas
Compare NYC's sales tax to nearby New Jersey and Connecticut
(uniform statewide)
statewide rate
NYC's 8.875% rate is higher than neighboring NJ (6.625%) and CT (6.35%). The MCTD tax is unique to NYC and surrounding counties.
NYC vs. Other Major US Cities
How does NYC's 8.875% rate compare to other large cities?
| City | State | Sales Tax Rate | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuscaloosa | Alabama | 11.00% | +2.125% |
| Seattle | Washington | 10.35% | +1.475% |
| Chicago | Illinois | 10.25% | +1.375% |
| Los Angeles | California | 9.50% | +0.625% |
| New York City ⭐ | New York | 8.875% | Baseline |
| Phoenix | Arizona | 8.60% | -0.275% |
| Houston | Texas | 8.25% | -0.625% |
| Boston | Massachusetts | 6.25% | -2.625% |
Key Insight: NYC's 8.875% rate is moderate among major US cities. While significantly lower than Chicago (10.25%) and Seattle (10.35%), it's notably higher than Boston (6.25%) and Houston (8.25%). The clothing exemption for items under $110 provides additional savings not available in high-tax cities.
Iconic NYC Shopping Districts
All locations in NYC have the same 8.875% sales tax rate
Fifth Avenue, Manhattan
World-famous luxury shopping corridor from Midtown to Central Park. Home to flagship stores like Tiffany & Co., Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Apple Fifth Avenue. All purchases subject to 8.875% tax.
SoHo, Manhattan
Trendy downtown neighborhood known for cast-iron architecture, art galleries, and boutique shopping. Popular with fashion-forward shoppers seeking designer and indie brands. Same 8.875% rate throughout SoHo.
Times Square Area
Major tourist destination with mega-stores, entertainment retailers, and souvenir shops. High foot traffic from Broadway theaters and attractions. Tourist purchases are fully taxable at 8.875% (no VAT refunds available).
Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Hip Brooklyn neighborhood with vintage shops, artisan boutiques, and local designers. Bedford Avenue serves as the main shopping corridor. Same 8.875% rate applies across all Brooklyn neighborhoods.
Shopping Tip: Take advantage of NYC's clothing tax exemption for items under $110. Buying multiple items under $110 each can provide significant savings compared to cities like Chicago where all clothing is taxed. New Jersey (6.625%) has no clothing tax at any price point.
NYC Sales Tax Rate History
Current rate: 4% state + 4.5% NYC + 0.375% MCTD. This rate has remained stable for over 15 years, making it one of the longest-unchanged rates among major US cities. The MCTD tax was introduced to fund MTA capital improvements.
Rate before MCTD increase: 4% state + 4.375% NYC. The city reduced its portion from 4.5% to 4.375% during this period, but the state later added the MCTD surcharge for transit funding.
NYC's sales tax fluctuated in the 8-8.5% range throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. The city periodically adjusted rates to address budget deficits and infrastructure needs. The state portion remained relatively stable at 4%.
Future Outlook: No rate changes are currently proposed for NYC. The 8.875% rate has proven stable since 2009, with the city relying on other revenue sources rather than sales tax increases. Any changes would require approval from the New York State Legislature.
Sales Tax on Vehicles in NYC
How NYC's 8.875% rate affects car purchases and leases
Vehicle Tax Examples
Savings vs. Chicago: NYC residents save $412.50 on a $30,000 car compared to Chicago (10.25% rate).
Important NYC Vehicle Tax Info
Cross-Border Shopping: Some NYC residents purchase vehicles in New Jersey (6.625% tax) to save approximately $675 on a $30,000 car. However, you must pay the difference when registering in NY, making the savings minimal. Delaware (no sales tax) requires proof of Delaware registration, so NYC residents cannot avoid NY tax this way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sales Tax in Popular NYC Shopping Areas
Whether you're shopping on Fifth Avenue, in SoHo, at Times Square, or in Brooklyn, the sales tax rate is 8.875% throughout all of New York City.
Manhattan Shopping Districts
- • Fifth Avenue, Midtown - 8.875%
- • SoHo, Lower Manhattan - 8.875%
- • Times Square area - 8.875%
- • Upper East Side - 8.875%
Other Boroughs
- • Brooklyn (all areas) - 8.875%
- • Queens (all areas) - 8.875%
- • The Bronx (all areas) - 8.875%
- • Staten Island (all areas) - 8.875%
Related Calculators & Resources
Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates based on current New York City sales tax rates as of January 2025. Tax rates are subject to change by state and local legislation. For official tax rates and specific guidance on your situation, please consult the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance or a qualified tax professional.
Not Legal or Tax Advice: The information provided on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or tax advice. Always verify current rates before making large purchases or business decisions.
Sources: New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, NYC Department of Finance, MTA
Last updated: October 13, 2025