January state sales tax collections show slightly better holiday report

UPPER CUMBERLAND – State sales tax collections improved 4.2 percent in the Upper Cumberland in January, a middle of the road report largely reflective of the 2013 holiday shopping season.

For the fourth consecutive month, the region failed to outpace the state, but the numbers are better than December’s showing, which had only a 2.8 percent gain. Tennessee’s collections, as a comparison, improved 4.9 percent in January but are only up 2.7 percent over the latest 12 months. The UC, as a whole, has seen a 2.0-percent annual gain.

Cumberland and Putnam counties had two of the stronger showings, with collections of $4,145,248, a 7.3 percent increase from last year, and $8,586,183, respectively, which was up 5.7 percent from January 2013. DeKalb saw a 24.1-percent spike. Others in the black were Van Buren (5.4), Warren (4.1), Fentress (3.0), Macon (1.7) and Overton (0.6). Clay’s collections were down nearly $100,000 for a 36.4 percent drop. Also down were Pickett (-11.1), Cannon (-8.8), Jackson (-2.3), White (-1.9) and Smith (-1.7).

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

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