When it comes to taxes, New York City is still the biggest apple of all, according to a study by a business-backed research group.
The report, released by the Citizens Budget Commission this past summer, said the city’s per-capital tax rate remains the highest in the nation, more than twice the average for other large cities.
New York’s taxes have risen by approximately 50 percent since the mid-1960’s and by 16 percent in the past three fiscal years, despite a series of tax cuts passed by the state legislature, according to Raymond D. Horton, the commission’s director of research.
Noting that taxes have increased faster than inflation and personal income over the past decade, Mr. Horton attributed the high tax rate to the extensive social services provided by the city; to overstaffing in many municipal departments; and to pay raises won by the union representing New York City’s public employees.
