ny sales tax comprises of New York State sales tax and city surcharges, and amounts to 8.875%. By comparison, the NYS sales tax by itself is 4%. The disparity comes in the form of the extra 4.875 percent imposed by the city and MCTD. If you are buying in NYC you will pay the entire 8.875% but in another county the total may be less or more with local add-ons. Always look at the local rate at which purchase is done.