Georgia collects more tax revenue, but one major source is down

Georgia brought in slightly more tax money in October than it did this time last year, but the numbers show a mixed picture of how people and businesses are spending money.

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The state collected about $2.71 billion in taxes in October, a 0.2% increase, or about $6.7 million more than October 2025, according to figures released by Gov. Brian Kemp’s office.

So far this fiscal year, Georgia has collected $11.13 billion in tax revenue. That’s up 2.3%, or about $247 million, compared to the same point last year.

But not every category is bringing in more money.

Income tax collections take a hit

One of the biggest changes came from individual income taxes.

Georgia collected about $1.22 billion in individual income taxes in October, down $115.1 million, or 8.6%, from the same month last year.

The state also saw a drop in income tax withholding payments, which are generally taken directly out of workers’ paychecks.

Those payments fell by $106.6 million, or 8.6%, compared to October last year.

Sales tax collections are up

On the other hand, sales tax collections saw a noticeable increase.

Net sales tax revenue rose $52.7 million, or 6.7%, compared to October 2025.

The amount distributed to local governments also increased by 10.8%, bringing the total to about $883.3 million.

Sales taxes are collected when people buy goods and services, making those numbers one way to track consumer spending.

Businesses paid more in corporate taxes

Corporate income tax collections increased by $29.7 million, or 48.7%, compared to October last year.

However, that increase was partly driven by the state issuing fewer corporate tax refunds.

Gas tax collections fall

Georgia also collected less money from motor fuel taxes in October.

Collections dropped $8.3 million, or 4.3%, compared to last year.

That decline comes after Kemp suspended Georgia’s motor fuel tax starting Sept. 28 in an effort to give drivers relief from high gas prices.

The state also saw an 11.5% drop in motor vehicle tag and title fee collections.

The latest figures offer a snapshot of how much money Georgia is collecting through taxes as the state moves through the 2027 fiscal year.

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