Use-tax revenue in November approaches projections

The November report for Cape Girardeau County's sales and use-tax figures shows another month of growth.

Cape Girardeau County Treasurer Roger Hudson released the report this week.

This month, the county reported a collection of $89,795.28. That brings the total use-tax collection for 2016 to $158,553.41.

Hudson told county commissioners Monday the November collection was closer to early projections made by officials. The county hopes to meet an annual goal of about $1 million and could reach that number if subsequent monthly collections remain at least as high as November's.

A certain amount of fluctuation is to be expected each month, Hudson has said. Late payments or payments submitted on a quarterly rather than monthly basis can affect totals. Monthly collections also are subject to change based on economic activity, such as a major construction project where materials are bought out of state.

Use-tax collections in the county began in July after voters approved of a 1 percent use tax in April. Tax revenue provides funding for upgrades to county facilities, including the planned construction of a new courthouse.

The Missouri Department of Revenue defines use tax as a tax imposed on the storage, use or consumption of tangible personal property in the state. Among the items to which the tax applies are titled vehicles -- including automobiles, boats and other recreational vehicles -- bought out of state.

Consumers are required to file a use-tax return with the state department of revenue if untaxed purchases from out-of-state vendors in a calendar year equal more than $2,000.

The November report is the third such monthly report issued by the county regarding the use tax collection. So far, the total has grown each month.

As for sales tax collection, the county still is coming out ahead for the year, but not by much. More than $494,700 was collected for the month, according to the report, which is a 0.19 percent increase over the November 2014 collection.

Still, the county is 3.05 percent ahead in collections for the year compared to this time in 2014. Whether the county will continue its recent trend of year-to-year growth will depend on the December sales-tax collection report. It topped $7 million in yearly collection for the first time last year.

srinehart@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3641

Pertinent address:

1 Barton Square, Jackson, Mo.