Pevita Pearce
A significant majority of New York voters, nearly two-thirds, favor the elimination of the state income tax, with a parallel sentiment of dissatisfaction regarding the value received for taxes paid. A recent poll commissioned by the Empire Center for Public Policy reveals that 67% of respondents believe they are not receiving good value for the taxes they contribute, a figure comprised of 48% who definitively feel this way and 19% who somewhat agree. This widespread discontent with tax value transcends party lines and geographic regions within the state, underscoring a growing sentiment of fiscal frustration among New Yorkers.
The survey, conducted by Cygnal between July 6-8, 2026, and encompassing 600 likely voters in the 2026 general election, indicates a clear mandate for tax reform. The poll carries a margin of error of plus or minus 4 percentage points, lending statistical weight to its findings. These results echo sentiments from a similar Empire Center poll conducted in December 2024, suggesting a persistent and potentially intensifying dissatisfaction with the state’s fiscal policies.
Widespread Dissatisfaction with Tax Value
The perception of not receiving good value for taxes paid is a pervasive issue across the political spectrum. A striking 89% of Republican respondents expressed this view, followed by 69% of unaffiliated voters and 53% of Democrats. This alignment across party affiliations suggests that the issue of tax value is not a partisan one but rather a core concern for a broad cross-section of the electorate.
Geographically, no region of New York is immune to this sentiment. Majorities in every surveyed area reported dissatisfaction, with the percentage of those feeling they receive poor value ranging from 59% in New York City to a high of 73% in Western New York. This indicates that residents in both urban centers and more rural areas are experiencing a similar disconnect between their tax contributions and the perceived benefits received from state services.
Overwhelming Support for Income Tax Elimination
The poll also highlights a robust desire for the abolition of the state income tax. A substantial 64% of New York voters support this measure, with 47% expressing strong support and 16% indicating some level of support. Only 27% of respondents are opposed to eliminating the income tax, while 9% remain undecided.
Similar to the tax value sentiment, support for eliminating the income tax demonstrates broad appeal. Republicans show the highest level of support at 88%, followed by unaffiliated voters at 64%, and Democrats at 51%. The proposal garners majority support across all surveyed regions, income brackets, and age groups. The figures range from 54% in New York City to 70% in the Hudson Valley. Long Island also shows strong support at 69%, with Albany/Central New York and Western New York registering 68% each. This widespread endorsement suggests that the elimination of the state income tax is a policy that resonates with a diverse electorate.
Empire Center’s Perspective on the Findings
Zilvinas Silenas, president of the Empire Center, interpreted the poll results as a clear indication of public frustration. "Regular New Yorkers are fed up and want lower taxes," Silenas stated. He drew a direct parallel between New York’s current fiscal climate and that of other states, suggesting a path forward. "Albany can follow Florida’s example or keep watching New Yorkers leave for Florida," he added, referencing Florida’s status as a state without a state income tax.
Silenas further elaborated on the perceived imbalance between tax contributions and public services. "We are watching New York’s social contract break down," he asserted. "New Yorkers pay too much and get too little in return. Albany refuses to listen, so people give up and leave." This statement frames the poll’s findings within a broader narrative of a failing social contract, where citizens feel their tax dollars are not being effectively utilized or that they are being overtaxed without commensurate benefits.
Historical Context and Precedent
The current poll’s findings are not an isolated incident. The Empire Center has consistently documented public sentiment regarding New York’s tax structure. A prior poll conducted by the organization in 2025 also revealed majority support for eliminating the state income tax, indicating that this sentiment has been building over time. This suggests a sustained and growing desire for significant fiscal reform within the state.
The debate over New York’s income tax has been a recurring theme in state politics for years. Historically, New York has maintained a progressive income tax system, a model designed to fund extensive public services. However, concerns about the state’s high tax burden and its impact on economic competitiveness and resident retention have frequently surfaced. Critics argue that the income tax, in particular, disincentivizes economic growth and drives away high-earning individuals and businesses. Proponents, conversely, emphasize the necessity of this revenue stream to support crucial public services such as education, infrastructure, and social programs.
Broader Implications and Potential Policy Shifts
The poll’s results have significant implications for the future of tax policy in New York. The overwhelming support for eliminating the state income tax, coupled with widespread dissatisfaction with tax value, presents a clear challenge to the state’s current fiscal framework. Lawmakers in Albany face increasing pressure to address these concerns, as the continued outmigration of residents and businesses, often attributed to the state’s tax climate, poses a threat to its long-term economic vitality.
The comparison to states like Florida, which has no state income tax and has experienced significant population growth, serves as a potent political talking point. It suggests that alternative tax structures may be viable and could potentially attract new residents and investments. However, any move towards eliminating the income tax would necessitate a substantial restructuring of state revenue, likely involving increased reliance on other forms of taxation, such as sales or property taxes, or significant cuts to public services.
The poll’s data, broken down by demographics and region, provides policymakers with granular insights into the specific concerns of various voter segments. Understanding these nuances will be crucial for developing any potential tax reform package that aims to address the dissatisfaction expressed by New Yorkers. The broad consensus across party lines and geographic areas indicates that this is not a niche issue but a fundamental concern impacting the state’s overall well-being.
The Empire Center, as a think tank advocating for fiscal responsibility and limited government, views these poll results as validation of its long-standing arguments. Their research consistently highlights the economic consequences of high taxation and suggests that a more competitive tax environment could lead to greater prosperity for the state.
The coming legislative sessions will likely see intensified debate and potential proposals aimed at alleviating the tax burden on New Yorkers. The strength of the sentiments revealed in this poll suggests that the status quo may become increasingly untenable for elected officials who wish to retain the support of their constituents. The challenge for policymakers will be to find solutions that balance the need for revenue to fund essential services with the public’s demand for lower taxes and better value. The findings underscore a critical juncture for New York, where a reevaluation of its tax structure and the fundamental relationship between taxation and public services appears to be not just desirable, but increasingly demanded by its citizens.
