Summary
New Yorkers have reached a clear verdict: The state’s tax system is not delivering. A full 67% say they are not getting good value for their tax dollars, while 64% support eliminating the state income tax.
Majorities of Republicans, Democrats, and voters with no party affiliation agree that the state is failing to provide good value for their tax dollars.
The findings extend across regions and income levels. Most residents in every region say they are not getting good value for their taxes, and dissatisfaction remains high across all income groups. Nearly all demographic groups also support phasing out New York’s income tax, making dissatisfaction with the state’s high taxes and support for major tax reform unmistakably cross-partisan.
The bottom line is decisive: across every region, income bracket, and age group, New Yorkers are frustrated by how much they are taxed and how their tax dollars are spent—and majorities support eliminating the income tax.
New Yorkers Don’t Think They Are Getting Value for Their Taxes
New Yorkers broadly agree that they are not getting good value for their tax dollars. Statewide, 67% say they are not getting good value, including 48% who say they are definitely not getting good value. By comparison, 30% say they are getting good value, while 3% are unsure. Similar results were reported in the Empire Center poll in 2025.
Dissatisfaction is widespread: In 21 of the 23 demographic groups listed, a majority say they are not getting good value for the taxes they pay.
This negative assessment cuts across party lines. The share saying they are not getting good value is 89% among Republicans, 69% among voters with no party affiliation, and 53% among Democrats. Although the intensity varies, dissatisfaction remains the majority view in all three groups, making it a cross-partisan concern.
By age, dissatisfaction is highest among respondents ages 55–64, at 79%. It is close to 70% among those ages 40–54 and above 70% among those ages 65–74.
Dissatisfaction is also consistently high across income groups: 71% among respondents earning less than $50,000, 66% among those earning $50,000–$99,999, and 67% among those earning $100,000 or more.
Regionally, a majority in every part of the state says it is not getting good value, ranging from 59% in New York City to 73% in Western New York.
New Yorkers Want to Eliminate State Income Tax
New Yorkers overwhelmingly support gradually eliminating the state income tax. Statewide, 64% support the proposal, including 47% who feel strongly about it. Meanwhile, 27% oppose the proposal, and 9% are unsure. Similar results were reported in the Empire Center’s poll in 2025.
Support extends across every major demographic group. By party affiliation, support ranges from 88% among Republicans to 64% among voters with no party affiliation and 51% among Democrats. Despite differences in intensity, the proposal draws majority support from all three groups, making it cross-partisan.
Support for eliminating the income tax is also broad across income groups: 60% among respondents earning less than $50,000, 59% among those earning $50,000–$99,999, and 68% among those earning $100,000 or more.
A majority supports eliminating the income tax in every region, from 54% in New York City to 70% in the Hudson Valley. Support stands at 68% in Albany/Central New York, 68% in Western New York, and 69% on Long Island.
By age, support is highest among voters ages 55–64, at 73%, and lowest among those ages 18–39, at 51%. Still, a majority in every age group supports the proposal.
The overall picture is clear: support for gradually eliminating New York’s income tax is broad and not confined to any one demographic group.