Richmond County

CPA and tax services in Staten Island

Ryan Zuckerman, JD, CPA, works with Staten Island families, retirees, homeowners and owner-operated businesses on their tax returns and long-term planning. All meetings are held by phone or video.

Book a Call Call (516) 981-3763

Ryan Zuckerman, CPA, working at his desk

Tax help for Staten Island families, retirees and owners

Staten Island has many homeowners, multi-generation families and owner-operated businesses, along with a large community of active and retired police officers, firefighters and other public employees. Ryan's clients there often want help with retirement income, family businesses and passing property to the next generation.

Ryan works with clients in St. George, Great Kills, Tottenville, Todt Hill, New Dorp, Annadale, Eltingville and across the borough.

Common situations in Staten Island

Public pensions in retirement

New York does not tax pensions from New York State, New York City or other New York local government employers, so retired police officers, firefighters and teachers often owe less state tax than they expect.

Owner-operated businesses

Contractors, trades and family businesses need accurate books, the right entity structure and estimated payments that match the year.

Passing on a house or business

Giving property to your children during your life has gift tax reporting and cost basis consequences that are worth planning before the deed changes hands.

Self-employed earnings

Self-employed residents with net earnings from self-employment over $50,000 may owe the Metropolitan Commuter Transportation Mobility Tax (MCTMT) at 0.60%.

Services for clients in Staten Island

You don't have to pick a level. On your first call, Ryan recommends the service that fits your income, investments and goals. Each level includes everything in the one before it.

Tax Compliance

Federal and state income tax returns

FBAR and foreign asset reporting

A review of deductions and credits you can still claim

Filed accurately and on time

See tax compliance

Strategic Tax Planning

Everything in Tax Compliance

Planning meetings throughout the year

Tax projections for big decisions

Estimated tax payments calculated for you

See strategic tax planning

Private Tax Office

Everything in Tax Compliance and Strategic Tax Planning

Coordination with your estate planning attorney, financial advisor and other advisors

Oversight of family, trust, gift and estate tax matters

A single point of contact for your family's tax affairs

See private tax office

Taxes for Staten Island residents

As a New York City resident, you pay city income tax of 3.078% to 3.876% on top of New York State and federal tax. There is no separate city return. The city tax is reported on your New York State resident return.

If you are 59 and a half or older, New York also lets you exclude up to $20,000 of other pension and annuity income, which can include some IRA distributions. Combined with the exclusion for government pensions, this can lower the New York tax on your retirement income considerably.

Tax rules and rates change. Confirm the current rules with the tax department before you file, or ask Ryan on your first call.

Resources

New York State Department of Taxation and Finance

MCTMT information from the New York State Tax Department

Book a call with Ryan: (516) 981-3763

Staten Island tax questions

Is my NYPD or FDNY pension taxed by New York?

No. New York does not tax pensions from New York State, New York City or other New York local government employers. The pension is still taxable on your federal return, so Ryan plans your withholding or estimated payments with that in mind.

Should I give my house to my kids now or leave it to them?

It depends on your situation. A gift usually passes your original cost basis to your children, while property inherited at death generally receives a stepped-up basis, which can mean much less tax when they sell. Ryan runs the numbers and works with your estate planning attorney on the decision.

Do you work with clients in Staten Island?

Yes. Staten Island is one of the five boroughs of New York City. Ryan works with clients there virtually by phone, video and secure document upload.

Do I need to meet in person?

No. Ryan's firm is fully virtual. You upload documents securely and meet with Ryan by phone or video. If you live in the New York metropolitan area and would like to meet in person once before becoming a client, Ryan is happy to meet for coffee or lunch.

How much do your services cost?

Each service is a fixed fee based on the work involved. Ryan goes over pricing on your first call, after he understands your situation.

Are you an attorney?

No. Ryan is a CPA and a law school graduate (JD). He is not a practicing attorney and does not give legal advice. For trust and estate matters, he works alongside your attorney.