OKLAHOMA CITY – The August distribution of sales tax collections by the state Tax Commission hint that Oklahoma is gradually re-opening for business.
The disbursement of $168 million in sales tax collections returned to the cities and towns reflected an increase of $9 million from the distribution to municipalities in August last year.
Similarly, the use tax disbursement to cities and towns was $25.3 million, an increase of $4.65 million from August 2019, because of online purchases.
The tax revenue was derived primarily from purchases made in June and remitted to the Tax Commission in July.
Most cities and towns and almost every county in southwest Oklahoma realized gains in their sales and use tax receipts this month, but not all did.
Granite’s sales tax disbursement was 59% lower, and Marlow’s allocation fell 32% from a year ago. Comanche’s use tax disbursement dropped by almost one-third.
Gotebo’s sales tax check this month was 75% lower than a year ago, but its August use tax check doubled from last year. Indiahoma’s use-tax check almost doubled from last year, and Carnegie’s use-tax check more than doubled.
Sterling’s use tax disbursement this month was 138% higher than it was in August 2019, Roosevelt’s increased by 142% during the same period, and Chattanooga’s increased by 169%. Fletcher’s nearly tripled. Frederick’s use tax check this month was 73% higher than a year ago.
Jackson County’s use tax check this month was almost 66% higher than it was a year ago, Comanche County’s was 55% higher, and Cotton County’s increased almost 56%.