Jan. 27, 2007
Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal

Statewide sales show increase of 1.9 percent

By SEAN WHALEY
REVIEW-JOURNAL CAPITAL BUREAU

CARSON CITY — Statewide taxable sales rose 1.9 percent in November over the same month in 2005, representing $3.9 billion in goods sold, the state Department of Taxation reported Friday.

For the first four months of the fiscal year that began July 1, taxable sales are up 3.5 percent over the prior fiscal year.

Clark County showed a 0.1 percent increase to $2.8 billion in November 2006 over November 2005. Washoe County taxable sales fell by 3.8 percent for the same period.

Eight counties showed a decrease in taxable sales for November 2006 compared to November 2005: Carson City, Churchill, Douglas, Humboldt, Lincoln, Lyon, Washoe and White Pine counties.

Taxable sales growth for November 2006 is being compared to a big 9.9 percent increase in November 2005.

Gov. Jim Gibbons said that even though the sales tax growth isn’t as large as it has been in recent years, the state is still thriving.

“While Nevada’s economy is increasing at a slower rate than the past few years, these latest figures continue to affirm our economic stability, strong consumer confidence and attractive business environment,” he said in a statement.

Gross revenue collections from all sales and use taxes amounted to $297.6 million for November 2006 which represents a 4 percent increase compared to November 2005. The general fund portion of the sales and use taxes is 1.42 percent or $14.5 million below the state Economic Forum’s Nov. 30 forecast for this fiscal year

The department also reported excise tax collections of $15.6 million for the month of November decreased 7.8 percent compared to the same month of the prior year.

Compared with the Economic Forum’s November projections, fiscal year-to-date cigarette taxes are 0.13 percent or $150,000 below projections. The liquor tax is 4.97 percent or $1.9 million above projections. Collections for the live entertainment tax were $673,000, or 0.91 percent below projections for the fiscal year to date.