Sales tax collections continue to lag behind state

By Amye Anderson
UCBJ Managing Editor

UPPER CUMBERLAND – December was a less than stellar month for sales tax collections in the Upper Cumberland, with many counties reporting little change or even a decline compared to the same period in 2016.

Overall, the UC collected $21,628,308 during the period – a 2.7 percent increase compared to the previous year. However, the region continued to lag behind the state, which reported a 8.7 percent increase in sales tax collections for the same period.

Only three UC counties reported double-digit percentage gains. Pickett County reported the largest gains – a 75.3 percent change in sales tax collections compared to the previous year – followed by Overton (14.6) and Smith (10.2).

Counties reporting a dip in collections, Cannon (-1.0), Clay (0.2), Fentress (-5.8), Jackson (-28.1), Warren (-0.3), and White (-12.0).Rounding out the UC are Cumberland (4.0), DeKalb (0.3), Macon (1.6), Putnam (4.6) counties.

Collections, considered just one measure of economic activity, are based on state sales taxes; local option taxes are excluded. Data lags by one month; for example, December numbers reflect November activity.

Counties December Year Prior Percent Change
Cannon $353,469 $357,209 -1.0
Clay $216,654 $217,114 -0.2
Cumberland $4,160,486 $4,001,166 4.0
DeKalb $807,437 $804,672 0.3
Fentress $751,330 $797,293 -5.8
Jackson $151,400 $210,572 -28.1
Macon $1,076,661 $1,060,168 1.6
Overton $944,370 $824,365 14.6
Pickett $251,736 $143,612 75.3
Putnam $8,521,861 $8,147,204 4.6
Smith $915,825 $831,136 10.2
Van Buren N/A N/A N/A
Warren $2,205,925 $2,212,353 -0.3
White $1,271,154 $1,444,742 -12.0
UC  $21,628,308 $21,051,606 2.7
TN  $730,212,000 $671,592,000 8.7

Source: Compiled by the Upper Cumberland Development District from data published by the Tennessee Department of Revenue.

Amye Anderson is the managing editor of the Upper Cumberland Business Journal and can be reached via email. Send an email.

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