Taxes in Buffalo, New York
Complete tax guide for Buffalo, NY. State income tax up to 10.9%, 2.45% property tax, 8% sales tax. Calculate your total tax burden.
State Income Tax
10.9%
New York
Property Tax
2.45%
Effective rate
Sales Tax
8%
Combined rate
Tax Burden
Very High
Buffalo, NY Tax Overview
No city income tax; high property taxes; Rust Belt revitalization
Population
278,349
Median Income
$40,927
Cost of Living
85.7 (100 = avg)
State Income Tax
10.9%
Median Home Price
$155,000
Buffalo Tax Calculator
Pre-filled with Buffalo median: $40,927
Total Tax Burden in Buffalo
$10,465
Take-Home: $30,462 · Effective Rate: 25.57%
Federal Tax
$2,873
7.02% eff.
NY State
$4,461
10.90% eff.
FICA
$3,131
7.65% eff.
Take-Home
$30,462
74.43% kept
Tax Breakdown
| Item | Annual | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Income | $40,927.00 | $3,410.58 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$2,872.74 | -$239.39 |
| New York State Tax | -$4,461.04 | -$371.75 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$2,537.47 | -$211.46 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$593.44 | -$49.45 |
| Take-Home Pay | $30,462.30 | $2,538.53 |
Property Tax in Buffalo
Median Home
$155,000
Annual Tax
$3,798
Monthly Tax
$316
Effective Rate
2.45%
Sales Tax in Buffalo
Combined Rate
8%
State Portion
~5.5%
Local Portion
~2.5%
The combined sales tax rate in Buffalo is 8%, which is above the national average of 7.12%. On a $100 purchase, you would pay $8.00 in sales tax.
Tax Burden Comparison
| Tax Type | Buffalo | New York Avg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Income Tax | 10.9% | 10.9% | 4.6% |
| Property Tax | 2.45% | ~2.45% | 1.1% |
| Sales Tax | 8% | ~8% | 7.12% |
| Overall Burden | Very High | — | Moderate |
About Taxes in Buffalo
Buffalo has a population of approximately 278,349 residents with a median household income of $40,927. The cost of living index is 85.7 (14.3% lower than the national average of 100).
Local context: No city income tax; high property taxes; Rust Belt revitalization
Tax burden classification: Very High. Effective combined tax rate of 34.2% includes federal, state, FICA, property, and sales taxes for a typical Buffalo household.
Official Tax Resources for New York
For authoritative New York tax forms, filing deadlines, and the latest legislative updates, consult these official government resources:
- New York State Department of Taxation — official state revenue agency
- New York Individual Income Tax Forms — current tax year forms and instructions
- IRS Federal Tax Forms and Instructions — federal income tax filing
Tax Saving Tips for Buffalo Residents
- New York's income tax rate of 10.9% is above average. Maximize pre-tax retirement contributions (401k up to $23,500, IRA up to $7,000) to reduce both federal and state taxable income.
- Property tax in Buffalo (2.45%) is above the national average. Check if you qualify for homestead exemptions or assessment appeals to reduce your property tax bill.
- Use a Health Savings Account (HSA) if eligible. Contributions are tax-deductible ($4,400 individual, $8,750 family), growth is tax-free, and withdrawals for medical expenses are tax-free.
Other Cities in New York
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Very HighSources & Methodology
Tax rate data on this page is compiled from official government sources and updated for the 2026 tax year. Calculations follow the IRS-published 2026 federal tax brackets, FICA rates (6.2% Social Security up to $176,100 wage base, 1.45% Medicare), and New York state tax provisions. Property tax estimates use Buffalo's median home value of $155,000and the local effective property tax rate of 2.45%.
- • Federal tax brackets and standard deductions: IRS.gov
- • State income tax rates and brackets: New York State Department of Taxation
- • Median household income, home value, and demographics: U.S. Census Bureau ACS
- • Cost of living comparisons: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics CES
- • National average benchmarks: Tax Foundation state-level tax burden studies
Disclaimer: Estimates are for informational purposes only. Actual tax liability depends on filing status, deductions, credits, and individual circumstances. Consult a licensed tax professional or your state revenue agency for binding tax guidance.
Reviewed by LevyIO Tax Research Team · Published 2026-01-15 · Last updated 2026-04-30
Calculate Your Full New York Tax Burden
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the tax rates in Buffalo, NY?
Buffalo, New York has a state income tax rate up to 10.9%. The property tax rate is 2.45% and the combined sales tax rate is 8%. No city income tax; high property taxes; Rust Belt revitalization
How much is property tax in Buffalo?
The effective property tax rate in Buffalo is 2.45%. On the median home price of $155,000, this equals approximately $3,798 per year or $316 per month. This is above the national average of 1.1%.
What is the sales tax rate in Buffalo?
The combined sales tax rate in Buffalo is 8%, which includes both state and local components. This is above the national average combined rate of approximately 7.12%.
How does Buffalo's tax burden compare to other cities?
Buffalo has a very high overall tax burden. The effective total tax rate for a median-income household is approximately 34.2%. The combination of 10.9% state income tax, 2.45% property tax, and 8% sales tax determines the total burden. Cost of living index is 85.7 (100 = national average).
Are there any local taxes in Buffalo?
Buffalo does not impose a separate local or city income tax. Residents pay the state income tax of 10.9%, federal income tax, and FICA (Social Security and Medicare). No city income tax; high property taxes; Rust Belt revitalization