Local government sales tax collections in New York state reached $24.4 billion in 2025, marking a 4.5% increase, or $1 billion more than the previous year, according to a report released by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. This growth rate surpassed the average annual growth of 3.8% seen between 2010 and 2019, the period following the Great Recession and before the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Local sales tax growth ticked up last year,” said DiNapoli. “However, with the potential for policy changes at the federal level to affect every level of government funding, as well as the continued impact of tariffs, local officials must budget carefully to safeguard the services their communities rely on.”
The report noted that quarterly year-over-year growth ranged from 3.2% in the first quarter to 5.4% in the third quarter.
New York City saw its sales tax collections grow by 5%, or $521 million, which was slightly above its pre-pandemic average annual growth rate of 4.8%. The city’s performance was attributed to strong domestic tourism activity, including record hotel rates and steady attendance at Broadway shows.
Counties outside New York City collectively experienced a 4% increase in sales tax collections compared to last year, totaling an additional $443 million. Most counties—52 out of 57—reported higher collections over the previous year; among them, 26 counties recorded increases greater than 5%. Chenango County led with an increase of 11.8%, followed by Yates (11%), Hamilton (10.9%), and Delaware (10.7%). Sullivan County had the largest decrease at -5.2%, while Schoharie also declined by -3.9%.
Among cities outside New York City that impose their own sales taxes, two-thirds reported gains for 2025: Norwich posted a rise of 20.9%, Salamanca increased by 7.7%, and White Plains grew by 7.1%. Six cities saw declines; Gloversville fell by -7.2%, Utica dropped -7.1%, and Oneida decreased -4.7%.
A full breakdown is available in the report and supporting regional data table provided by DiNapoli’s office.