Local government sales tax collections in New York state totaled $1.78 billion in August 2023, an increase of 4%, or $67.9 million, compared to the same month last year, according to a report released today by State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli.

In St. Lawrence County, sales tax revenue rose 13.5% in August, up $0.81 million compared to August of last year. Total tax revenue collected was $6.78 million, up from $5.97 million in August 2022.

“Local sales tax collections in August continue a pattern of moderate increases in 2023,” DiNapoli said. “With overall growth having all but returned to pre-pandemic rates, local officials should budget accordingly and monitor cash flow for the foreseeable future,” DiNapoli said.

Collections in New York City totaled $760 million, an increase of 1.2% or $9.1 million.

County and city collections in the rest of the state totaled $913 million, an increase of 5.6%.

In 53 of 57 counties, year-over-year tax collections increased.

Schuyler County experienced the strongest growth at 63.3%, while Orleans County had the largest decline at 7.7%.

These monthly sales tax collections are from the cash distributions made to counties and tax-imposing cities by the state Department of Taxation and Finance, and the amounts are based on estimates of what each municipality is due. In the third month of each calendar year quarter, these distributions are adjusted upward or downward, so that the quarter as a whole reflects reported sales by vendors. The next quarterly numbers (for January to March) will be available in April.