Upstate United: New York Ranks Dead Last in 2026 Tax Competitiveness Index

October 31st, 2025

The following statement can be attributed to Justin Wilcox, Executive Director of Upstate United

“The Tax Foundation has once again ranked New York as the worst state in its State Tax Competitive Index. By comparing more than 150 variables across five major areas of taxation – corporate taxes, individual income taxes, sales and excise taxes, property and wealth taxes, and unemployment insurance taxes – and then aggregating the results, an overall ranking is generated. New York ranks 28th for corporate taxes, while the rankings for all other categories range between 38th (for UI Taxes) and 50th (for individual taxes).

“These high rates, when combined with the state’s inaction to address financial sector strongholds relocating to Texas or refusal to change course on major climate policies, indicate our leaders are failing to meet the moment. If New York wants to be competitive in the race for economic development, we need to first stop running in the wrong direction. If the status quo remains, our ability to compete with other states, whether over affordability or employment opportunities, will continue to diminish.”