State taxable sales soar as economy booms

Thursday, May 27, 2004 | 10:57 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- Nevada merchants reported a strong $3.5 billion in taxable sales in March, a 16.1 percent increase over a year ago and the third straight month of double-digit increases.

Gov. Kenny Guinn said there have been nine months of steady growth that demonstrate Nevada's business environment is strong and getting stronger.

"I am pleased with the investments our business community has made in our state and the confidence our workers and consumers have shown in the direction our state is headed," he said.

The state Taxation Department reported today that among the leaders were a 23.6 percent increase in the sales of home furniture and a 19.3 percent rise in auto sales.

For this fiscal year, the state has received $566.2 million from its 2 percent sales tax, a gain of 12.8 percent from a year ago. The governor said the sales tax collections are $39 million above what the Economic Forum predicted.

Businesses in Clark County reported $2.6 billion in sales, a gain of 17.4 percent compared with March 2003. It was also the third straight month of double digit increases. There were strong sales in building materials, cars and in bars and restaurants.

Taxable sales in Washoe County grew by 13.3 percent to $538.5 million; Carson City reported $85.3 million in sales, up 12.7 percent; and Douglas County sales grew 27.9 percent to $67.4 million.

The taxation department said that, compared with March 2003, statewide taxable sales on building materials was up 30.4 percent; general merchandize stores increased by 14.5 percent; auto dealers posted a 19.3 percent gain; clothing store sales rose 30.7 percent; and home furniture grew 23.6 percent.

Business in eating and drinking places in Nevada jumped 13.1 percent in March compared with a year ago and food store sales increased 7.3 percent.

The department said sales of durable goods in wholesale trade in Clark County reached $158.9 million, up 38.1 percent; building material sales skyrocketed 31.8 percent to $164.9 million; general merchandise stores reported sales of $211.8 million, up 15.5 percent; and food store business grew 8.4 percent to $79.7 million.

Auto dealers in Clark County reported $362.4 million in sales, up 20.3 percent; clothing stores sales increased 31.1 percent to $141.6 million; home furniture sales grew 26.4 percent to $153.6 million and bars; and restaurants produced $550.3 million in taxable sales, up 14.8 percent.