By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
October revenues higher than expected
Hill Jack
Sen. Jack Hill

October revenues came in at an eye-popping 17.7 percent increase.  Looking back, October of a year ago was negative due to a substantial number of refunds that were released in that month.  So it is no surprise that October of 2018 would show a big increase. Some analysts are saying the prospects for continued growth at these high levels will come to a screeching halt in January when new withholding rates will reflect the doubling of the individual deduction tied to the tax cut passed last session.

 

Continued increase for individual income taxes in October

Individual Income Taxes increased 17.2 percent for October on revenues of $1.051 billion, a gain of $154.1 million. Refunds were down -5.6 percent or -$9 million while Individual Withholding payments increased $108.2 million or 11.8 percent. 

Individual Income Tax Return payments grew $35 million for the month. Other categories were up $1.9 million. Corporate Income Taxes were up $64.6 million.


Net sales taxes remain strong

Continuing their recent persistent increase, net sales taxes were up 9.4 percent on revenues of $525.1 million.  Sales Tax gains continue to track national retail sales growth. 

 

Other categories – 

somewhat mixed

Tobacco taxes were up at 17.9 percent while Alcohol Beverages decreased -16.3 percent.  Tag, Title and Fees were up slightly down at -1.9 percent but Title Ad Valorem taxes were up at 1.4 percent.


Transportation gasoline taxes/fees 

up 2.2 percent for October

We track the excise taxes on motor fuel and the two fees since those revenues go straight to DOT. This month, Excise Taxes were up 2.6 percent, Highway Impact Fees increased $89,000 and Motel/Hotel Fees decreased -$242,000. Altogether Motor Fuel taxes and fees were up $3.6 million or about 2.2 percent.


Year to date numbers 

all very positive

Overall, the state appears strong and stable at 8.8 percent revenue gain. Total revenues stand at $7.8 billion, showing an increase of an impressive $632.4 million. Individual Income Taxes are growing at 10.1 percent and Corporate Taxes at 38.7 percent ahead of this same time last year. Net Sales Taxes are showing a very strong 7.7 percent increase.  


Other categories trending down

Tobacco Taxes are now ahead 2.8 percent and Alcoholic Beverages are negative at -2.9 percent. Tag, Title and Fees are slightly negative at -1 percent and Title Ad Valorem Taxes are also negative at -7.7 percent.


Fuel tax revenue strong as well

Motor Fuel Excise taxes, Impact Fees and Hotel/Motel Fees are all up for the first quarter, a total of $686.7 million. This is an increase of $19.7 million or about 3 percent.


Ahead of budget – 

the important thing

The state’s revenue increases are meeting and exceeding the budget passed during the 2018 Session. After four months of the fiscal year, revenues exceed the state’s 2019 budget by some $446.5 million. Of course some of that will be re-examined and likely to change when the Special Session began Tuesday to address the devastation brought Hurricane Michael to west Georgia. 


Georgia standing strong

The state’s 12-month trailing average through October has now hit an impressive 6.8 percent.  While states continue to report in their October revenues, the few states that have reported have interesting budget situations.

Texas started their new fiscal year in September and is preparing to work on their biennial budget in their upcoming session. Texas’ overall receipts are actually negative, -2 percent, for the four months of this fiscal year. Texas’ 12-month trailing average, however, is a 9.7 percent gain. Another early reporting state, Arkansas is up 12-month trailing at 4.4 percent and their year-to-date figures show a healthy 6.4 percent gain.

 

I may be reached at

234 State Capitol, Atlanta , GA 30334

(404) 656-5038 (phone)

(404) 657-7094 (fax)

E-mail at Jack.Hill@senate.ga.gov

Or Call Toll-Free at

1-800-367-3334 Day or Night

Reidsville office: (912) 557-3811