Hattiesburg, Mississippi – With the Department of Revenue reporting complete for this month, sales tax collections for the City of Hattiesburg continue to trend up with November’s tax receipts being the highest November figure on record.
- 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 November figure reflects what was purchased in the Hattiesburg economy during the month of September. Thus, the October numbers reflect what happened in September, September numbers reflect what happened in July and August numbers reflect what happened in June.
Record-setting numbers over the last four months indicate that residents and visitors alike feel safe while shopping in Hattiesburg, especially during a time when several factors – peak summer travel, college student populations being in towns and major events – have not been as strong due to COVID-19
“Hattiesburg retailers have done an incredible job of adapting to meet the many challenges brought on by COVID-19, and this fourth consecutive month of record sales tax collections is a testament to their hard work and creativity,” said Hattiesburg Mayor Toby Barker. “While we can’t be certain if this trend will continue, it is largely due to their tremendous adjustment in providing creative and safe environments for their customers while still prioritizing public health.
Barker added, “During this holiday shopping season, I encourage our residents to support local businesses, wear masks and show kindness to our many retail workers.”
YOY Comparison of Numbers 2018 – 2020:
- 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
These receipts indicate the base 7% sales tax figures and do not include local option sales taxes on food and beverage or hotel/motel.
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