Hattiesburg, Mississippi – The City of Hattiesburg continues its year-over-year increases for sales tax revenues, with receipts for May 2021 serving as the highest since 2006.
“This time last year, we had to make several hard decisions. We had to forecast revenues conservatively, not knowing where we might be in a year or knowing what the future would hold in regard to the lasting effects of the pandemic,” said Barker. “We are pleased that the year over year increases in monthly sales receipts have continued. A record-setting high proves that our local economy has weathered the storm and it’s a testament to the commitment of our local businesses and industries. They adapted to the industry needs and continued to prioritize public health – operating creatively where necessary.”
The Mississippi Department of Revenue figures for sales tax receipts for August 2020 through May 2021 include:
- May 2021 sales tax receipts – $2,512,110.20
- YOY increase of May 2020
- Highest May on record
- The highest month of revenues since February 2006
- April 2021 sales tax receipts – $1,788,592.20 (YOY increase of April 2020)
- March 2021 sales tax receipts – $1,865,807.26 (YOY increase of March 2020)
- February 2021 sales tax receipts – $2,305,084.28 (YOY increase of February 2020)
- January 2021 sales tax receipts – $1,943,489.94 (YOY increase of January 2020)
- December 2020 sales tax receipts – $1,957,642.28 (highest December since 2006)
- November 2020 sales tax receipts – $2,073,705.48 (highest November on record)
- October 2020 sales tax receipts – $1,938,916.97 (highest October on record)
- September 2020 sales tax receipts – $1,972,206.75 (highest September on record)
- August 2020 sales tax receipts – $2,025,615.49 (highest August on record)
Each month’s receipts show the economic activity that occurred two months prior. For example, the December figure reflects what was purchased in the Hattiesburg economy during the month of October.
Barker added, “We know these numbers are a snapshot of one story. While our local economy is doing well, we know challenges continue to exist for our small businesses and industries. We look forward to working through our partners at The ADP and with our businesses across several sectors to help where challenges continue to exist – like staffing.”
To help with current staffing issues, the City of Hattiesburg recently held a job fair to connect the hospitality and restaurant industries with those looking for work. The job fair resulted in more than 35 local employers across the hospitality and restaurant industries and more than 150 attendees.
YOY Comparison of Sales Tax Numbers
These receipts indicate the base 7% sales tax figures and do not include local option sales taxes on food and beverage or hotel/motel.
- May 2021 sales tax receipts – $2,512,110.20 (highest May on record; highest figure since 2006)
- May 2020 – $1,794,311
- May 2019 – $2,081,373
- April 2021 sales tax receipts – $1,788,592.20
- April 2020 – $1,764,401
- April 2019 – $1,722,062
- March 2021 sales tax receipts – $1,865,807.26
- March 2020 – $1,672,423
- March 2019 – $1,624,134
- February 2021 sales tax receipts – $2,305,084.28
- February 2020 – $2,237,168
- February 2019 – $2,274,043
- January 2021 sales tax receipts – $1,943,489.94
- January 2020 – $1,927,584.58
- January 2019 – $1,914,925.88
- December 2020 sales tax receipts – $1,957,642.28
- December 2019 – $1,845,824.54
- December 2018 – $1,835,153.84
- November 2020 sales tax receipts – $2,073,705.48 (highest November on record)
- November 2019 – $1,853,712.03
- November 2018 – $1,839,778.55
- October 2020 sales tax receipts – $1,938,916.97 (highest October on record)
- October 2019 – $1,890,196.11
- October 2018 – $1,915,150.31
- September 2020 sales tax receipts – $1,972,206.75 (highest September on record)
- September 2019 – $1,835,903.82
- September 2018 – $1,926,912.36
- August 2020 sales tax receipts – $2,025,615.49 (highest August on record)
- August 2019 – $1,877,821.37
- August 2018 – $1,829,502.15
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