New Yorkers Overwhelmingly Support Abolishing State Income Tax, Poll Finds

A striking 64% of New York's registered voters believe it is time to eliminate the state income tax, a new poll from the Empire Center for Public Policy reveals. The survey indicates a widespread sentiment among New Yorkers that they are "fed up" with the state's high tax burden, which is the highest in the United States.

The poll, which surveyed 600 likely voters between July 6-8, found that support for abolishing the income tax transcends party lines, geographic regions, and income brackets. Forty-seven percent of respondents strongly support the elimination of the income tax, while an additional 16% somewhat support it. Conversely, 27% oppose it, and 9% are undecided.

Among Republicans, support for eliminating the income tax stands at 88%. Voters with no party affiliation show 64% support, while 51% of Democrats also back the proposal. Support was also strong across the state, with 54% in New York City favoring the idea, and majorities in the Hudson Valley (70%), Albany/Central New York and Western New York (68%), and Long Island (69%).

Zilvinas Silenas, president of the Empire Center for Public Policy, stated, "Regular New Yorkers are fed up and want lower taxes." He added, "Albany can follow Florida’s example or keep watching New Yorkers leave for Florida." Florida is one of nine states that does not impose a state income tax.

The poll also revealed that 67% of New Yorkers feel they are not receiving adequate value for the taxes they pay, with only 30% believing they are. Silenas commented, "We are watching New York’s social contract break down. New Yorkers pay too much and get too little in return. Albany refuses to listen, so people give up and leave."

The issue of high taxes has become a focal point in the gubernatorial race. Republican candidate Bruce Blakeman has proposed a plan to effectively eliminate income taxes for most New Yorkers if elected. His proposal includes eliminating taxes on the first $50,000 of income for single filers and the first $100,000 for married couples, and reducing the tax rate for higher earners. This plan, however, would require approval from the Democratic-controlled state Legislature and is estimated to cost $35 billion.

Governor Kathy Hochul's campaign has stated that she has already implemented middle-class income tax cuts to their lowest levels in seven decades.

The poll's findings echo those of a December 2024 Empire Center poll, which yielded nearly identical results regarding public opinion on the state income tax. The survey has a margin of error of 4 percentage points.