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Feedback: New York's Business Tax Climate Ranks Last In Nation

Story Published: Oct 10, 2012 at 4:20 PM EDT

Story Updated: Oct 10, 2012 at 6:53 PM EDT

This was Governor Cuomo right after he took office on January 5, 2011:

"We have to put up a sign that says New York is open for business."

But if New York has become more business-friendly, Lorrie McFarland hasn't noticed.

The owner of Party Rentals in Watertown still deals with a bewildering array of state taxes.

"They did something really strange last year. Everybody in business had to file another business license and it was $50," said McFarland.

Taxes are the reason New York is now ranked dead last by a group called the Tax Foundation.

It says last December's tax code overhaul in Albany, raising taxes on millionaires, is why New York has vaulted past New Jersey to have the worst business tax climate in the nation.

"New York has a long way to go to improve its tax system. I think the governor is aware of that," said Joe Henchman, vice president of the Tax Foundation. 

Governor Cuomo's spokesman claims no New Yorker is paying higher taxes this year, says that local property taxes have been curbed, and points out the state's budget is balanced.

But, McFarland has a suggestion for Albany to get the state out of last place.

"I think they might want to look at a state that has a lower tax and see what they're doing and follow that," she said.

By the way, Wyoming  ranks number one in the country.

See how other states rank

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Wednesday, May 22, 2013
, Watertown, NY

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