Taxes in Rochester, New York
Complete tax guide for Rochester, NY. State income tax up to 10.9%, 2.52% property tax, 8% sales tax. Calculate your total tax burden.
State Income Tax
10.9%
New York
Property Tax
2.52%
Effective rate
Sales Tax
8%
Combined rate
Tax Burden
Very High
Rochester, NY Tax Overview
No city income tax; high property taxes
Population
211,328
Median Income
$39,012
Cost of Living
83.5 (100 = avg)
State Income Tax
10.9%
Median Home Price
$145,000
Rochester Tax Calculator
Pre-filled with Rochester median: $39,012
Total Tax Burden in Rochester
$9,880
Take-Home: $29,132 · Effective Rate: 25.32%
Federal Tax
$2,643
6.77% eff.
NY State
$4,252
10.90% eff.
FICA
$2,984
7.65% eff.
Take-Home
$29,132
74.68% kept
Tax Breakdown
| Item | Annual | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Income | $39,012.00 | $3,251.00 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$2,642.94 | -$220.25 |
| New York State Tax | -$4,252.31 | -$354.36 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$2,418.74 | -$201.56 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$565.67 | -$47.14 |
| Take-Home Pay | $29,132.33 | $2,427.69 |
Property Tax in Rochester
Median Home
$145,000
Annual Tax
$3,654
Monthly Tax
$305
Effective Rate
2.52%
Sales Tax in Rochester
Combined Rate
8%
State Portion
~5.5%
Local Portion
~2.5%
The combined sales tax rate in Rochester 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 | Rochester | New York Avg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Income Tax | 10.9% | 10.9% | 4.6% |
| Property Tax | 2.52% | ~2.52% | 1.1% |
| Sales Tax | 8% | ~8% | 7.12% |
| Overall Burden | Very High | — | Moderate |
About Taxes in Rochester
Rochester has a population of approximately 211,328 residents with a median household income of $39,012. The cost of living index is 83.5 (16.5% lower than the national average of 100).
Local context: No city income tax; high property taxes
Tax burden classification: Very High. Effective combined tax rate of 34.3% includes federal, state, FICA, property, and sales taxes for a typical Rochester 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 Rochester 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 Rochester (2.52%) 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
New York City
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Very HighSyracuse
Very HighAlbany
Very HighNew Rochelle
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 Rochester's median home value of $145,000and the local effective property tax rate of 2.52%.
- • 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
See detailed state tax brackets, FICA breakdown, and compare to neighboring states.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the tax rates in Rochester, NY?
Rochester, New York has a state income tax rate up to 10.9%. The property tax rate is 2.52% and the combined sales tax rate is 8%. No city income tax; high property taxes
How much is property tax in Rochester?
The effective property tax rate in Rochester is 2.52%. On the median home price of $145,000, this equals approximately $3,654 per year or $305 per month. This is above the national average of 1.1%.
What is the sales tax rate in Rochester?
The combined sales tax rate in Rochester is 8%, which includes both state and local components. This is above the national average combined rate of approximately 7.12%.
How does Rochester's tax burden compare to other cities?
Rochester has a very high overall tax burden. The effective total tax rate for a median-income household is approximately 34.3%. The combination of 10.9% state income tax, 2.52% property tax, and 8% sales tax determines the total burden. Cost of living index is 83.5 (100 = national average).
Are there any local taxes in Rochester?
Rochester 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