New York State 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:
Sales & Use Taxes
The amount of sales and use tax you pay in New York will depend upon the locality. The state rate is 4.5 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.
New York State Office of Real Property Services
Information 518-486-5446
www.orps.state.ny.us
Pet Licensing
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.
Fish & Game 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, backtag, and lifetime service. For further information on Lifetime Licenses, training information and schedules or specific license fees, contact:
Department of Environmental Conservation
License Sales 518-402-8843
Special Licenses 518-402-8985
Education 518-402-8966
www.dec.state.ny.us
Voting in New York
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.
Board of Elections
Dutchess County
47 Cannon Street
Poughkeepsie 845-486-2473
www.dutchessny.gov
Orange County
25 Court Lane
Goshen 845-291-2444
www.co.orange.ny.us
Putnam County
One Geneva Drive
Brewster 845-278-6970
www.putnamcountyny.com
Rockland County
11 New Hempstead Road
New City 845-638 - 5172
www.co.rockland.ny.us
Ulster County
284 Wall Street
Kingston 845-334-5470
www.co.ulster.ny.us
Westchester County
25 Quarropas Street
White Plains 914-995-5700
www.westchestergov.com/boe
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. For more information, contact:
National League of Women Voters
Washington, DC 202-429-1965
www.lwv.org
League of Women Voters of New York State
Albany 518-465-4162
www.lwvny.org
League of Women Voters of Westchester
White Plains 914-949-0507
www.watpa.org/lwv