New York Franchise Tax Information

New York has a franchise tax that applies to:

  1. Domestic (New York) corporations
  2. Foreign corporations that do business in New York State themselves or are General or Limited Partners in Partnerships that do business in New York State

The General Business Corporation Franchise Tax Return is a relatively complicated tax filing that is typically filed by a tax accountant alongside the New York Corporate Income Tax return. Most general business corporations are mandated to e-file the estimated tax.

New York has a Q&A on their website about the Franchise Tax.

When is the New York franchise tax due?

Your first franchise taxes are due:

  • By April 15th of the calendar year following when you started doing business in New York (for calendar year filers)
  • Within 3.5 months after the end of the fiscal year in which you started doing business in New York (for fiscal year filers).

How to calculate New York franchise tax

The tax is calculated as the highest of three methods (NY refers to them as “bases”): Business income, Business capital, and Fixed dollar minimum tax. Each base has its own tax rate or threshold associated with it. The tax filing document has rows to help your accountant calculate tax due.

Business Income

The business income base equals federal taxable income apportioned to New York State with some adjustments. The default tax rate is 6.5%, though rates vary based on business type and size:

  • General business taxpayers with business income over $5 million: 7.25%
  • Qualified emerging technology companies (QETCs): 4.875%
  • Qualified New York manufacturers: 0%

Business Capital

The business capital base is the total business capital apportioned to New York State after deductions. Business capital is taxed at 0.1875%, with a cap of $5,000,000 for general business taxpayers ($350,000 cap for qualified New York manufacturers and QETCs).

Fixed dollar minimum tax

The fixed dollar minimum tax is determined by the corporation's New York State receipts. These amounts are lower for qualified New York manufacturers and qualified emerging technology companies.

MTA surcharge

Corporations that do business in the Metropolitan Commuter Transportation District and owe estimated franchise tax must also pay an estimated MTA surcharge and file Form CT-3-M. The MCTD includes New York City (Manhattan, Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island) and the counties of Rockland, Nassau, Suffolk, Orange, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester.

How to pay New York franchise taxes

Corporations that expect to owe more than $1,000 in franchise tax after credits must file estimated tax forms (Form CT-400, Estimated Tax for Corporations) and make quarterly payments of estimated tax due. Most Corporations will e-File, either on their own or via their tax provider.

Automate your New York franchise tax compliance with Discern

While Discern doesn't file New York’s corporate franchise taxes, we automatically notify you when New York filings are due and provide guidance on requirements. Discern also provides registered agent services in New York and across all 51 jurisdictions, as well as automated Secretary of State filing and compliance tracking.

Ready to streamline your New York compliance? Book a demo with Discern today.

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Author
The Discern Team
Published Date
October 6, 2025
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