New York City Metro

Tax & Accounting Services for New York City Startups

Expert tax planning, R&D credits, and financial services for venture-backed startups in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the NYC metro area. Navigate New York's complex multi-layer tax system with confidence.

9,000+
Tech Startups
$15M
Avg. Series A
6.5%
NY State Tax
4%
NYC UBT

Why New York City Startups Choose SpryTax

New York has one of the most complex tax environments in the country—federal, state, city, and unincorporated business taxes all apply. We specialize in helping NYC tech startups navigate this maze while maximizing tax savings.

New York R&D Tax Credits

Maximize federal (20%) plus NY State (9% refundable) R&D credits. NYC fintech and SaaS startups average $200K+ in annual credits. Unlike California, NY credits are fully refundable for qualified companies.

  • 9% NY State credit (refundable)
  • Eligible for payroll tax offset
  • Credit against NY franchise tax

NYC Unincorporated Business Tax

Navigate NYC's unique 4% Unincorporated Business Tax (UBT) for LLCs and partnerships. We help structure your entity and operations to minimize UBT exposure legally.

  • UBT exemption analysis
  • C-Corp vs LLC tax comparison
  • Annual UBT return filing

Multi-State Tax Compliance

Many NYC startups have employees across NJ, CT, and beyond. We handle complex tri-state area payroll taxes, nexus issues, and apportionment for multi-state operations.

  • NJ/CT employee tax compliance
  • Convenience of employer rules
  • Sales tax nexus management

VC & Growth Stage Support

NYC has become a major VC hub. We provide investor-ready financials, cap table management, and CFO services that meet the expectations of top NYC and national VCs.

  • Monthly GAAP financials
  • Fundraising financial models
  • Due diligence preparation

Delaware + NY Compliance

Like SF, most NYC startups incorporate in Delaware. We expertly manage dual-state compliance, franchise taxes, and ensure you're properly registered in both states.

  • DE franchise tax optimization
  • NY foreign qualification
  • Annual compliance calendar

Stock Options & QSBS Planning

NY state recognizes QSBS, allowing up to $10M in tax-free gains on exit. We provide 409A valuations and ensure your equity structure qualifies for maximum tax benefits.

  • 409A valuations & ISO grants
  • QSBS qualification planning
  • NY AMT minimization

New York City Tax Challenges We Solve

Triple-Layer Tax System

NYC startups face federal taxes, NY State taxes (6.5% corporate, 10.9% personal), and NYC-specific taxes including UBT and commercial rent tax. It's overwhelming without expert guidance.

Our Solution:

  • • Entity structure optimization (C-Corp vs LLC)
  • • Tax credit stacking (federal + state)
  • • Strategic income timing across jurisdictions
  • • Exemption and deduction maximization

Tri-State Employee Complexity

Employees living in NJ or CT while working in NYC create complex withholding, reciprocity, and "convenience of employer" tax issues. NY's rules are particularly aggressive.

Our Solution:

  • • Multi-state payroll setup & withholding
  • • Remote work tax policy guidance
  • • Convenience of employer audit defense
  • • Quarterly tax reconciliations

High Cost of Living Impact

NYC salaries are 20-40% higher than other markets to offset cost of living. This increases your qualified R&D expenses but also payroll tax burden—optimization is crucial.

Our Solution:

  • • Maximize R&D credits on high salaries
  • • Tax-advantaged compensation strategies
  • • Commuter benefit programs
  • • Equity compensation tax planning

Fintech Regulatory Complexity

NYC is a fintech hub. Financial services startups face additional regulatory requirements, BitLicense obligations, and industry-specific tax considerations.

Our Solution:

  • • Fintech-specific tax planning
  • • Regulatory compliance coordination
  • • Payment processing tax treatment
  • • Cryptocurrency tax reporting

Serving Tech Startups Across NYC

From Flatiron District co-working spaces to Brooklyn's Tech Triangle, we serve innovative startups throughout New York City and the metro area.

Flatiron District

SoHo

Chelsea

Financial District

Brooklyn Tech Triangle

Long Island City

Also serving the NYC Metro Area:

Brooklyn

DUMBO, Williamsburg, Brooklyn Heights, Park Slope

Queens

Long Island City, Astoria, Flushing

New Jersey

Jersey City, Hoboken, Newark

Westchester

White Plains, Yonkers, New Rochelle

CLIENT SUCCESS STORY

Flatiron Fintech Startup Saves $225K Annually

The Challenge:

A 15-person fintech startup in the Flatiron District was overwhelmed by NY/NJ/CT multi-state taxes, missed R&D credit opportunities, and faced potential UBT penalties. Their prior accountant didn't understand startup or fintech-specific issues.

Our Solution:

  • Completed R&D credit study: $140K federal + $40K NY State (refundable)
  • Restructured to optimize UBT and eliminate $25K in unnecessary taxes
  • Set up proper tri-state payroll compliance for NJ/CT employees
  • Implemented investor-ready monthly financials
  • Provided fintech regulatory tax guidance

Results:

$225K
Annual tax savings
Series B
Raised $25M

"SpryTax understands both fintech and NYC tax complexity. They saved us more than we thought possible and gave us confidence for our Series B." - Co-Founder & CEO

Our Services for NYC Startups

Tax Planning & Filing

  • • Federal, NY State, and NYC tax returns
  • • UBT (Unincorporated Business Tax) filing
  • • Multi-state tax compliance (NJ, CT)
  • • Quarterly estimated tax management
  • • QSBS and exit tax planning
Learn More →

R&D Tax Credits

  • • Federal R&D credit (20% of qualified expenses)
  • • NY State refundable credit (9%)
  • • Payroll tax offset for pre-revenue startups
  • • Multi-year retroactive claims
  • • IRS audit defense & documentation
Learn More →

Startup Accounting

  • • Monthly GAAP-compliant financials
  • • VC investor reporting packages
  • • Cash flow forecasting & budgeting
  • • Fintech-specific accounting
  • • QuickBooks Online management
Learn More →

Multi-State Payroll

  • • NY/NJ/CT tri-state payroll compliance
  • • Remote employee tax withholding
  • • Convenience of employer rule navigation
  • • NYC commuter benefits setup
  • • W-2 and 1099 preparation
Learn More →

Equity & 409A Valuations

  • • IRS-compliant 409A valuations
  • • ISO and NSO grant structuring
  • • QSBS planning for tax-free exits
  • • 83(b) election preparation
  • • Cap table management
Learn More →

CFO Services

  • • Fundraising financial modeling
  • • Board presentation decks
  • • Due diligence support
  • • Strategic tax planning
  • • Exit optimization strategies
Learn More →

Ready to simplify your NYC startup taxes?

Join 150+ New York City startups saving an average of $200K+ annually on taxes and compliance. Get a free consultation to discover your savings potential.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is NYC's Unincorporated Business Tax (UBT)?

The UBT is a 4% tax on unincorporated businesses (LLCs, partnerships) operating in NYC. However, there's a $95,000 exemption, and certain activities may be exempt. C-Corporations don't pay UBT but pay corporate income tax instead. We help determine your optimal structure.

How do NY R&D credits compare to California?

NY offers a 9% refundable credit vs California's 15% non-refundable credit. The big advantage: NY credits are refundable, meaning you get cash back even if you have no tax liability. This is huge for pre-revenue or low-profit startups.

What is the "convenience of the employer" rule?

NY taxes income earned by remote workers who live outside NY but work for NY employers. If an employee works from home in NJ for "convenience" rather than necessity, NY claims the right to tax that income. This creates double taxation and complex compliance issues we help navigate.

Does New York recognize QSBS?

Yes! Unlike California, New York recognizes QSBS (Qualified Small Business Stock) and offers the same federal exclusion of up to $10M in capital gains on exit. This makes proper QSBS planning even more valuable for NY-based startups.

Do I need to register my Delaware C-Corp in New York?

Yes, if you have a physical presence, employees, or conduct substantial business in NY, you must register as a foreign corporation with the NY Department of State. You'll then file both Delaware franchise tax and NY corporate tax returns annually.