Taxable sales jump 14 percent in March

Wednesday, May 25, 2005 | 10:56 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- The vibrant Nevada economy continued in March with taxable sales rising by 14 percent to $4 billion.

This was the 14th month of the last 15 in which taxable sales increased by double digits compared to the same month of a year ago.

Gov. Kenny Guinn said, "This latest showing has contributed a 16.4 percent increase in sales tax collections for the first nine months of this fiscal year. Thanks to a healthy business climate and the booming tourism sector, Nevada's economy is strong and growing."

The state Taxation Department reported today that the $4 billion in taxable sales in March compares with $3.5 billion in the same month a year ago.

Clark County merchants reported sales of $3 billion, up 14.5 percent from a year ago. And so far this fiscal year, sales in Clark County are at $23.8 billion, a 15.1 percent increase over the same period in 1994.

The state's share of the sales tax collections so far this fiscal year are $657.1 million, or $88.9 million higher than last fiscal year for the same period.

A breakdown statewide shows sales in wholesale durable goods rose 18.1 percent; building materials jumped 18.4 percent; general merchandise stores reported sales up 9.9 percent and food stores recorded a 5.2 percent rise in business.

Auto sales statewide rose 10.5 percent; clothing stores were up 12.7 percent; home furniture sales increased by 8.8 percent and bar and restaurant sales were up 7.3 percent.

In Clark County, the department reported the sales of building materials rose 18.3 percent, the 11th straight month of a double-digit increase. Auto sales were up 10.7 percent. That makes 15 of the last 16 months with double-digit increases.

The department said Clark County sale of wholesale durable goods increased 18.8 percent; general merchandise stores rose 10.3 percent; good store sales increased 5.8 percent; clothing sales jumped 14.2 percent; home furniture sales increased 8.5 percent and bars and restaurants reported a 7.8 percent increase in business in March compared to the same month of a year ago.

The department said taxable sales in Washoe County rose 8.3 percent to $590.9 million; Douglas County reached $72 million, up 6.2 percent; Elko County reported $83 million, an increase of 17.3 percent and Carson City rose 2.9 percent to $88.1 million.