Business Overview

New York offers a global business environment centered on financial services, media, technology, and healthcare. The state provides access to international markets, venture capital, and a diverse, skilled workforce. Innovation ecosystems in NYC and across the state support business development and growth.

Key Facts & Figures

CategoryDetails
CapitalAlbany
Major CitiesNew York City, Buffalo, Rochester, Yonkers, Syracuse
State Sales Tax Rate4%
Local Sales Tax RateUp to 4.875% additional local taxes
Corporate Income TaxProgressive from 4.8% to 5.9%
Physical Nexus ThresholdPhysical presence through employees, offices, or representatives
Economic Nexus Threshold$500,000 in annual sales and 100 transactions

Did you know?

New York City’s financial services sector generates over $500 billion in economic output annually.

Setup & Compliance

New York business formation involves multiple state agencies with comprehensive compliance requirements.

Starting a Business in New York:

  1. Select Your Business Structure: Consider New York’s tax environment for different entity types.
  2. Register Your Business: File formation documents with the New York Department of State.
  3. Register for Tax Accounts: Register with the Department of Taxation and Finance for sales tax and withholding.
  4. Obtain Required Licenses: Research and secure necessary state and local business licenses.
  5. Register as an Employer: Register with the Department of Labor if hiring employees.

Key Compliance Considerations:

  • Biennial Statements: LLCs and LLPs must file biennial statements with the Department of State.
  • Annual Reports: Corporations must file annual reports with the Department of State.
  • Sales Tax Collection: Collect and remit 4% state sales tax plus applicable local taxes.
  • Corporate Franchise Tax: Corporations pay franchise tax based on the highest of several calculated bases.
  • Publication Requirements: LLCs and LLPs must publish formation notices in two newspapers for six consecutive weeks.

Hiring & Payroll

New York has some of the most comprehensive worker protection laws in the nation.

New York Payroll Taxes:

  • Unemployment Insurance: Rates from 0.6% to 7.3% on first $11,600 of wages.
  • State Income Tax Withholding: Progressive rates required.
  • Mandatory Paid Family Leave insurance contribution.
  • Workers’ Compensation: Required for all employers.

New York Employment Laws:

  • Minimum Wage: Varies by region ($14.20 to $15.00 per hour).
  • Paid Sick Leave: Up to 40 hours annually for most employers.
  • Equal Pay for Equal Work protections.
  • Final Paycheck: Due immediately upon termination.
  • New York is not a right-to-work state.

State Incentives

New York provides comprehensive economic incentives to support business innovation and growth.

Key Business Incentives:

  • Excelsior Jobs Program: Tax credits for job creation and investment.
  • START-UP NY: Tax-free environment for new businesses.
  • Research and Development Tax Credit: Supports innovative company development.

Small Business & Startup Support:

  • New York Small Business Development Center: Comprehensive business resources.
  • Minority and Women-Owned Business Certification Program.
  • Economic Transformation Program: Support for regions undergoing economic changes.

Regulatory Considerations

New York provides an extensive regulatory framework with sophisticated business guidelines.

Key Business Regulations:

  • Data Privacy: Advanced laws protecting consumer and business information.
  • Environmental Compliance: Comprehensive regulations for urban and industrial operations.
  • Professional Licensing: Mandatory for numerous professional services.

Additional Regulatory Areas:

  • Financial Services and Wall Street Compliance.
  • Media and Technology Industry Regulations.

Business Overview

New York offers a global business environment centered on financial services, media, technology, and healthcare. The state provides access to international markets, venture capital, and a diverse, skilled workforce. Innovation ecosystems in NYC and across the state support business development and growth.

Key Facts & Figures

CategoryDetails
CapitalAlbany
Major CitiesNew York City, Buffalo, Rochester, Yonkers, Syracuse
State Sales Tax Rate4%
Local Sales Tax RateUp to 4.875% additional local taxes
Corporate Income TaxProgressive from 4.8% to 5.9%
Physical Nexus ThresholdPhysical presence through employees, offices, or representatives
Economic Nexus Threshold$500,000 in annual sales and 100 transactions

Did you know?

New York City’s financial services sector generates over $500 billion in economic output annually.

Setup & Compliance

New York business formation involves multiple state agencies with comprehensive compliance requirements.

Starting a Business in New York:

  1. Select Your Business Structure: Consider New York’s tax environment for different entity types.
  2. Register Your Business: File formation documents with the New York Department of State.
  3. Register for Tax Accounts: Register with the Department of Taxation and Finance for sales tax and withholding.
  4. Obtain Required Licenses: Research and secure necessary state and local business licenses.
  5. Register as an Employer: Register with the Department of Labor if hiring employees.

Key Compliance Considerations:

  • Biennial Statements: LLCs and LLPs must file biennial statements with the Department of State.
  • Annual Reports: Corporations must file annual reports with the Department of State.
  • Sales Tax Collection: Collect and remit 4% state sales tax plus applicable local taxes.
  • Corporate Franchise Tax: Corporations pay franchise tax based on the highest of several calculated bases.
  • Publication Requirements: LLCs and LLPs must publish formation notices in two newspapers for six consecutive weeks.

Hiring & Payroll

New York has some of the most comprehensive worker protection laws in the nation.

New York Payroll Taxes:

  • Unemployment Insurance: Rates from 0.6% to 7.3% on first $11,600 of wages.
  • State Income Tax Withholding: Progressive rates required.
  • Mandatory Paid Family Leave insurance contribution.
  • Workers’ Compensation: Required for all employers.

New York Employment Laws:

  • Minimum Wage: Varies by region ($14.20 to $15.00 per hour).
  • Paid Sick Leave: Up to 40 hours annually for most employers.
  • Equal Pay for Equal Work protections.
  • Final Paycheck: Due immediately upon termination.
  • New York is not a right-to-work state.

State Incentives

New York provides comprehensive economic incentives to support business innovation and growth.

Key Business Incentives:

  • Excelsior Jobs Program: Tax credits for job creation and investment.
  • START-UP NY: Tax-free environment for new businesses.
  • Research and Development Tax Credit: Supports innovative company development.

Small Business & Startup Support:

  • New York Small Business Development Center: Comprehensive business resources.
  • Minority and Women-Owned Business Certification Program.
  • Economic Transformation Program: Support for regions undergoing economic changes.

Regulatory Considerations

New York provides an extensive regulatory framework with sophisticated business guidelines.

Key Business Regulations:

  • Data Privacy: Advanced laws protecting consumer and business information.
  • Environmental Compliance: Comprehensive regulations for urban and industrial operations.
  • Professional Licensing: Mandatory for numerous professional services.

Additional Regulatory Areas:

  • Financial Services and Wall Street Compliance.
  • Media and Technology Industry Regulations.