Philadelphia’s sales tax rebates continue to rise

Philadelphia’s state sales tax rebate numbers are on the rise.

Four months into the state’s fiscal year, Philadelphia has received $1,565,221, a $141,114 increase from the same time last year, according to the state Department of Revenue’s October report. 

Philadelphia received $389,094 for the month, which is an increase of $40,621 when compared to October 2019.

Municipalities collect sales tax for the state and receive a portion back. While it is not absolute, the report is a general indicator of the local businesses climate. This report is based on the October diversions from sales taxes collected.

That money is used by municipalities for the day-to-day operations.

Mayor James A. Young said this shows that shopping local pays off.

“We have been blessed in this community,” Mayor Young said. “It shows you what can happen if people shop locally. We talk about local shopping and supporting small businesses.”

Young said the COVID-19 pandemic has kept shoppers close to home.

“This pandemic has shown we can help one another if we work as a community,” Young said. “It made us stay home and shop local. It has been a bad thing as far as the sickness and deaths. But on the economic side, our community has stabilized and I know we can function and be profitable by wearing the masks and looking out for each other.”

Mississippi paid out $40,262,104 to municipalities in October 2020. This was up $3,448,043 when compared to October 2019 numbers. The state has returned $162,207,982 since the start of the 2021 fiscal year on July 1.