New Study Shows Non-New York Residents Earn Highest State Salaries

NEW YORK, NY — A new analysis released today found many non-New York residents earn more New York state income than residents. New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer's study found that in 2014 alone, nonresidents — individuals who spend less than half the year in New York — earned around $90 billion in New York state income, with an estimated $68 billion of that amount made in New York City.

In 2014, two-thirds of state taxpayers with incomes above $10 million filed as nonresidents and more than half of all New York taxpayers who reported earning over $720,000 annually were nonresidents. Most of them are commuters, many in New York City, according to the report. In fact, 83 percent of nonresident workers in the state work in the city.

“As our State and City pursue reforms to create a more fair and equitable tax system, this data must inform the conversation," Stringer said. "New York is always changing and our economic growth over the past decade has had both positive and negative implications for those who live, work and raise families here. We must remember those who helped to build our City and ensure that everyone has a share in the economic success of New York."

The report found that in 2013, 43.1 percent of all U.S. taxpayers who made $10 million or more reported New York state income, compared to 31.4 percent in 2001. Stringer's analysis suggests that nonresident taxpayers are mainly responsible for this increase.

Also in 2014, more than one in four U.S. taxpayers with incomes of $10 million or more reported income in New York state, but primarily lived somewhere else.

Over 500,000 families from New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Connecticut paid nonresident income taxes in New York state in 2013. The average income was approximately $189,485 for New Jersey families, $224,921 for Pennsylvania families and $432,196 for Connecticut families.

According to Stringer, his office's findings indicate the need for continued study of city, state and federal tax policies to assure all New York taxpayers are treated equally. He said the analysis raises important questions on tax policies and issues of tax equity, such as if greater transparency and disclosure are needed to understand who exactly owns properties and businesses in New York.

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