Sales Tax Shocker: NYC Staring At 10 Percent

NEW YORK, NY — A proposed sales tax hike could have you shelling out more almost every time you shop.

News of a possible hike isn’t sitting well with consumers.

“Oh no, this is ridiculous,” said Cleonie Sinclair of Manhattan.

“Everything is going up except salaries so that’s not a good thing, especially in a recession,” added Leslie Roderick of the Bronx.

In an effort to stop New York State’s financial freefall, lawmakers are considering increasing the sales tax.

That could push New York City’s sales tax to over 9 percent.

“Of course it would definitely affect how much I bought,” said Michelle Nelson of Brooklyn. “We just came from Barnes and Noble and we were pricing everything.”

“I think taxes in New York are very high to begin with and I think it would further discourage people from coming to the city,” added Carol Wilder of Manhattan.

Sammy Maialdem uses low sales taxes to draw customers into his Union Square shoe store.

“All the tourists when they come they ask about the tax,” Maialdem said. “When they know the tax is less they buy right away.”

The tight economy is already putting the squeeze on his business. Now he worries higher taxes could hurt him even more.

“I’m guessing that between 10 and 20 percent we’re gonna be down because of the tax,” Maialdem said.

The Retail Council of New York State said any increase in the sales tax would be nerve-wracking for retailers, but even more so for consumers since retailers will be forced to simply pass the taxes down and shoppers will end up paying the price.

“If there is a sales tax increase, at best I think we could hope that it were smaller than the half-percent rumored,” said Tim Potrikis of the RCNYS.

For a good reason, it could lessen the blow to both sides.

“Yeah, because at the end of the day you’re still spending money,” said Amy Ruby of Manhattan.