EBR October sales tax collections rise 6%

Sales taxes collected in East Baton Rouge Parish were up 6% in October, compared to the same month last year, according to a new report released by the city-parish today. Including taxes collected on vehicle sales, which are often much more volatile than general retail sales, total collections in the city and parish were up 7.5% in October. Sales tax collections were up inside the city limits and in the parish during the month. Less vehicle taxes, collections totaled just less than $7 million in the city, an increase of 3%; while collections in the parish were just below $6 million, up nearly 10%. Year to date, combined sales tax receipts in the city and parish are about 6.7% better than in 2011, at $131.4 million, not including vehicle sales taxes. Including vehicle taxes, combined collections are at $142.2 million, an increase of 7% over collections during the first 10 months of 2011. You can see the entire sales tax report here.