Local government sales tax collections in New York state totaled $23.4 billion in calendar year 2024, an increase of 1.6% or $376 million from 2023, according to a report released today by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. This was the slowest annual growth seen since the COVID-19 pandemic decline in 2020, and was less than half of the average pre-pandemic growth rate (3.8%) of 2011 to 2019 following the Great Recession.

“New York’s local governments rely on sales tax collections to support essential services in their communities,” DiNapoli said. “Sales tax growth slowed in 2024, and many counties and cities even experienced declines. This slowing growth, combined with economic risks and potential changes at the federal level, calls for careful budgeting on the part of local officials to effectively navigate these uncertain times.”

Although annual growth in local collections in 2024 dipped below pre-pandemic lows, quarterly year-over year growth – ranging from 1.3% in the fourth quarter to 2.2% in the second quarter – resembled rates in some of the years prior to the pandemic.

New York City’s sales tax growth of 2.8% in 2024 outpaced the rest of the state (0.6%) for the third consecutive year. Growth in the city’s collections was boosted by increases in the number of tourists, which nearly matched 2019 levels for the first time since the pandemic.

Aggregate county collections outside of New York City grew 0.5%, or $53.9 million, in 2024 compared to the previous year. However, year-over-year growth varied among counties, with over half (31 of 57) seeing increases.

St. Lawrence County had the highest growth at 5.6%, followed by Greene (3.7%), Otsego (3.6%), and Westchester (3.3%) counties.

Tioga County experienced the steepest decline in collections (-4.5%), followed by Allegany (-4.4%), Putnam (-3.6%), and Chenango (-3.4%) counties.

Of the 18 cities outside of New York City that impose their own sales tax, 13 saw year-over-year increases in 2024. Gloversville had the strongest growth at 7.3%, followed by Oswego (5.9%) and Saratoga Springs (5.4%). Five cities had decreases: Norwich had the steepest decline (-6.6%), followed by Mount Vernon (-4.6%), Salamanca (-3.8%), Oneida (-3.2%), and Olean (-2.7%).

Report 
Local Sales Tax Collections Increased by 1.6 Percent in 2024

Data 
Regional Table