Baton Rouge, La. — April 20, 2020 — The City-Parish’s Finance Department announced sales tax revenue for the month of February 2020. Recurring tax collections reflect a 3.79 percent decrease when compared to February 2019.

The City-Parish anticipated this decline as a result of Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome’s executive order, which allows a 30-day extension on filing returns for February and March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Sales tax decreases are anticipated for March and April due to the closure of non-essential businesses.

Year-to-date collections reflect a 1.21 percent increase. Sales tax revenue accounts for 61 percent of the City-Parish’s General Fund revenue.

Records show the “Food Service and Drinking Places” sector, which accounts for 10 percent of annual sales tax revenue, was the most impacted by the Stay At Home order.

Details of February’s sales tax revenue can be found here: https://www.brla.gov/1415/General-2-Sales-and-Use-Tax-Report

Mayor Broome encourages businesses and community members to purchase gift cards to help sustain the local restaurant industry. To purchase gift cards or learn more about the campaign, visit keepbrserving.com.