For my regular readers, you know it is a common theme for me to discuss (actually rant about) the myriad of ways that New York State taxes its motorist through vehicle and traffic laws. The ingenuity and variety by which this is accomplished is astounding.
Well here we go again. The New York Legislature is going to impose a sales tax (8.375% in New York City) upon livery car, black car and limousine trips. The new tax is expected to generate over $50 million for Albany’s and NYC’s coffers. There are about 2,700 TLC- licensed livery cards, 8,600 black cars and 5,200 limousines in New York City.
It is also expected to most hurt people living in some of New York’s poorest neighborhoods who rely on livery vehicles to get to the super market and other places.
Will gouging of New Yorkers ever end? We are already one of the most taxed people in the country and we certainly do not get back what we put in.
