Leadership team
The leadership team at the Department of Taxation and Finance works with the governor and the executive branch to oversee New York’s revenue system.
Michael R. Schmidt is the Commissioner of the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance. He was nominated by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo on January 6, 2019, and confirmed by the New York State Senate on June 20, 2019.
To efficiently collect tax revenues in support of State services and programs while acting with integrity and fairness in the administration of the tax laws of New York State.
Our department administers more than 40 state and local taxes and fees, including more than $14 billion in local sales tax and $8 billion in local income tax. In regard to real property taxes, the department oversees the administration of more than $50 billion annually and works directly with nearly 1,000 local governments.
26 Million Returns Processed Annually
Income Tax Refunds Issued - 2018 Tax Year
$106.9 Billion Total Taxes Collected
A key department focus is the balance of efforts to promote voluntary compliance—the cornerstone of the State's system of taxation—with the duty to enforce New York's tax laws. More than 96 percent of the taxes collected are remitted voluntarily by taxpayers. The remaining 4 percent is a result of the department's enforcement programs—audit, collections, and criminal investigations.
The department is also responsible for the administration of the State's treasury. The Division of the Treasury receives and disburses State funds, and serves as a custodian of special funds. The division is also a joint custodian of State securities with the State Comptroller.
Through agreements with other State agencies, the department collects additional revenues on behalf of individuals and the State, as well as assisting with fraud detection. Examples of joint measures include enforcing the collection of delinquent child support payments and identifying fraud regarding public assistance and unemployment insurance benefits.
The leadership team at the Department of Taxation and Finance works with the governor and the executive branch to oversee New York’s revenue system.
Department employees are dedicated to public service and have many opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The department provides information on current and archived bid opportunities, as well as submission guidelines, disclosure requirements, and procurement lobbying requirements.
The department publishes strategic metrics, posted on a quarterly basis, that support our goal of promoting government transparency and accountability to taxpayers.
Project Sunlight is an online database that provides New Yorkers with information about individuals and entities who interact with New York State government decision-makers.
The department has won more than 25 awards since 2011, including Public Service Excellence awards for both teams and individuals at the department.
Our organizational chart provides a clear-cut overview of the department’s divisions and leadership roles.