Blast from the Past!

1940s Tax Department Photographs

Between 1939 and 1941, the Works Progress Administration, in conjunction with the New York City Department of Taxation, organized teams of photographers to photograph every building in the five boroughs of New York City. The photographs were taken to improve the process of determining and recording property value assessments.

→ Click here to view the 1940s Tax Photographs

→ Click here to view the Guide to the 1940s Tax Department photographs, 1939-1951

Discover the architectural gems of yesterday!

1980s Tax Department Photographs

From 1982 to 1987 the Department of Finance used 35mm film to comprehensively document city property for a second time.

→ Click here to view the 1980s Tax Photographs

Totally awesome photo documentation!