Local government sales tax collections grew by 19% in May compared to the same month in 2021, according to an analysis recently released by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. Overall, collections totaled $1.69 billion, up $242 million from May of last year.

In St. Lawrence County sales tax has risen significantly and while that’s a boon for local governments, it’s not necessarily bringing relief to local taxpayers who are paying more for just about everything.

Likewise DiNapoli said local governments are seeing an increase in operation costs.

“Sales tax collections for most local governments were quite strong in May, as consumers continued to face higher prices for goods and services in the state,” DiNapoli said. “My office is closely monitoring New York’s economy, including the impact of inflation on consumer behavior."

New York City’s collections totaled $720 million, an increase of 13.3% – or nearly $85 million – when compared to May of 2021. Nearly every county also experienced significant year-over-year growth in collections, due, in part, to recent high inflation. Yates County saw the largest increase at 34.8%. Every county listed saw an increase in sales tax when comparing May 2021 and May 2022. Among cities that impose their own general sales tax, the City of Oneida came in at the highest at 30.9%.

Monthly sales tax distributions are based on estimates by the Department of Taxation and Finance. The distributions in the third month of each quarter are adjusted upward or downward to reflect actual vendor results for the quarter as a whole. The next quarterly numbers (for April-June) will be reported in July.