NYC shoppers will be paying more after a 0.5% tax hike.

NYC shoppers will be paying more after a 0.5% tax hike. (August 1, 2009)

BY MEREDITH TRAINA | wpix.com

August 1, 2009
NEW YORK, N.Y. (WPIX)—
New York City shoppers will have to dig a little deeper into their wallets. The city raised the sales tax Saturday from 8.5 to nearly 9 percent.

It's the first, permanent tax hike in more than 35 years.

The city upped the tax to counteract economic woes brought on by the recession. City officials hope the increase will raise an additional $950 million a year in revenue.

With back to school shopping just around the corner, shoppers will have to foot the bill. Those making $125,000 could pay as much as $366 more per year in taxes.