A Fairer Way to Fund
Ulster County
Ulster County relies heavily on regressive sales and property taxes — both of which put pressure on working families and everyday residents. The Fair Taxes Act would create a more balanced approach: one where low and middle incomes are protected, upper-middle incomes contribute modestly, and those at the top pay a little more.
The result is a county that stays affordable for everyone.
The Fair Taxes Act Has Been Amended
Responding to feedback from residents and the business community, the sponsors raised the income thresholds to $250,000 (single) / $500,000 (joint) — limiting the surcharge to roughly the top 1% of filers — and added a carve-out for business income taxed under New York's pass-through entity tax. The rate is adjusted to 18.75%, with revenue now estimated at $9–15 million a year.
Why Ulster County Needs a Fairer Tax System
Timeline of the Fair Taxes Act
The Big Beautiful Bill
Congress passed H.R. 1 — the "One Big Beautiful Bill" — shifting significant federal costs to states and counties. Ulster County faces roughly $8.5 million in new annual SNAP and Medicaid obligations, with costs growing further in the years ahead. The question is no longer whether new revenue is needed — it's where it comes from.
County Builds Consensus
The Ulster County Legislature is formally considering the Fair Taxes Act using S.10532 and A.11460 as the basis. The goal is to demonstrate broad, official local support and build momentum ahead of the 2027 state legislative session.
State & County Act
The bills will be re-introduced in Albany. With strong county backing, the aim is to move them through committee and get them signed into law — granting Ulster County the authority to establish the surcharge. The County Legislature would then adopt a local law following required public hearings.
First Returns Filed
The surcharge would apply to the 2027 tax year, meaning the first payments would come when residents file their 2027 state tax returns in 2028. This is when the Fair Taxes Act begins reducing the county's reliance on regressive property and sales taxes.
Washington is Shifting Costs to Counties
Federal cuts in H.R. 1 are pushing an estimated $1 trillion in costs to local governments over 10 years. New York counties alone face $266 million in new annual SNAP costs. Ulster County must find new, fair revenue — or cut essential services or raise regressive property taxes.
“The county government is currently funded by regressive sales and property taxes. We’re seeking authority from the state to create a fair progressive tax — one based on ability to pay.”
— County Executive Jen Metzger
A Point-by-Point Response to the Critics
Majority Leader Abe Uchitelle answers the leading objections to the Fair Taxes Act — on who actually pays, outmigration, the federal cost shift, and accountability — with county data and the most current regional migration research.
See What the Surcharge Means for You
Enter your NYS taxable income and find out exactly how much — if anything — the Fair Taxes Act surcharge would cost you. For most Ulster County residents, the answer is $0.
Support a Fairer Ulster County
Share this page with neighbors and let your legislators know you support the Fair Taxes Act.
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