No, you do not need to file a New York return.
The information below states that you don't have to file unless your New York adjusted gross income exceeds the New York standard deduction:
(Single, can't be claimed as a dependent - $7950; Married filing a Joint return - $15,950, Married filing a Separate return - $7950).
This information can be found at the link below. To see the New York standard deduction amounts, click on "New York standard deduction" (in blue print).
https://www.tax.ny.gov/pit/file/nonresidents.htm
No, you do not need to file a New York return.
The information below states that you don't have to file unless your New York adjusted gross income exceeds the New York standard deduction:
(Single, can't be claimed as a dependent - $7950; Married filing a Joint return - $15,950, Married filing a Separate return - $7950).
This information can be found at the link below. To see the New York standard deduction amounts, click on "New York standard deduction" (in blue print).
https://www.tax.ny.gov/pit/file/nonresidents.htm
I'm sorry, Katherine, but you are incorrect. You linked to the proper page, but it says you need to compare your "Federal amount" column on line 31. It's in italics. New York then takes a percentage of your taxable income based on how much was earned in New York. Look at Form IT-203 to see how NY does it.