September sales tax revenues of $1.76 billion mark the 18th consecutive month that Texas collections have risen, according to Comptroller Susan Combs.
“All sectors showed increases in September, led by business spending, especially in the oil- and gas-related sectors,” Combs said. “Consumer sectors like restaurants and retail trade were also up.”
Collections last month were up 11.8% from a year ago. The 6.25% sales tax accounts for over 40% of the general fund budget and is the largest statewide revenue source. Texas does not have an income tax.
“The recovery in Texas has brought sales tax collections almost back to peak 2008 levels,” Combs said. “However, the near-term outlook remains clouded due to the uneven performance of the U.S. economy.” Local allocations total $505.2 million. The monthly distribution to local governments is up 14% from last year.
A total of $337.6 million will be distributed among 1,143 cities. Houston led with $41.6 million. Since January, it has generated $419.5 million in sales tax revenue, an increase of almost 7% from the $392.8 million collected in the first nine months of 2010.
Other cities and their allocations include San Antonio’s $18.3 million, Dallas’ $15.8 million and Austin’s $12.5 million. The 123 counties with a 0.5% sales tax will share $33.7 million. Counties received $321.9 million in 2011.
Ten transit districts will receive a total of $111.8 million. Allocations include $45.4 million to Houston’s Metropolitan Transit Authority and $29.8 million to Dallas Area Rapid Transit. The districts have received a total of $1.14 billion in sales tax revenues so far in 2011, up from $1.05 billion in 2010.
Special taxing districts will receive a total of $22.9 million. The 177 districts have received $222.8 million in 2011.
