CARSON CITY — Car sales and business in bars and restaurants sparked a statewide increase of 4.6 percent in taxable sales in February compared to the same month a year ago, according to a state report released today.
The state Department of Taxation reported today that taxable sales, one indicator of the economy, reached $3.5 billion for the month.
Eight of Nevada’s 17 counties, including Clark and Washoe, posted gains during the month compared to February 2013.
The department reported that the state collected $71 million as its share of the sales tax, a 7.3 percent gain from a year ago. Its collection for this fiscal year is $11.7 million less than the prediction of the Economic Forum on which the state budget is built.
Restaurants and bars recorded a 10.2 percent increase in taxable sales for the month, according to the department. Automobile sales were up 6.2 percent compared to a year ago.
Taxable sales in Clark County, meanwhile, jumped 10.4 percent, with taxable sales on cars up 11.9 percent. Bar and restaurant sales were up 11 percent.
Furniture sales in Clark County declined 1 percent, building material sales were up 9 percent and sales of general merchandise increased 2.9 percent.
The department reported sales were up 10.7 percent in Washoe County and 4.9 percent in Carson City.