Forecasts Come Up Short

Washington’s tax revenue continues to fall short of budget forecasts, the state’s Economic and Revenue Forecast Council reported Tuesday.

In the reporting period between Jan. 11 and Feb. 10, general-fund state tax payments fell short of the November forecast, with receipts 5.3% lower than expected.

The cumulative shortfall since the November forecast is 5.1%, or $196.8 million, the council reported.

Washington does not have an income tax, so sales tax receipts play a large role in the state budget.

According to the forecase council, all retail sectors, with the exception of food and beverage stores, reported declines in tax payments for the monthly reporting period.

The sectors with the largest declines were furniture and home furnishings, off 30%, and motor vehicle dealers, off 26.8%.

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