LINCOLN — Nebraska’s tax collections came in higher than expected in August, giving the state budget an early boost in the new fiscal year.
The Department of Revenue reported Monday that gross General Fund receipts totaled $727 million last month, which was about $29 million, or 4.2%, above the state’s forecast. Sales and use taxes led the way, finishing 8.5% above expectations, while individual income taxes were 4.1% above forecast. Corporate and miscellaneous tax categories fell short.
After accounting for refunds, Nebraska ended August with $597 million in net receipts, about $12 million, or 2%, higher than projected. Refunds themselves were larger than expected, totaling $130 million, or about 15% above the forecast.
Through the first two months of the fiscal year, which began July 1, Nebraska has collected $1.03 billion in net General Fund receipts. That’s $32 million, or 3.2%, more than forecast. The growth has been fueled largely by strong sales and use tax collections, which are running nearly 17% above projections so far this year. Individual income taxes are slightly ahead of forecast, while corporate and miscellaneous taxes remain below.
When compared to last year, the growth is even more pronounced. Net receipts in August 2025 were $597 million, up from $527 million in August 2024 — a 13% jump. Sales and use taxes grew more than 11% year-over-year, while individual income taxes rose about 21%. Corporate income taxes dropped nearly 40% compared to last August, and miscellaneous taxes were down about 8%.
Overall, Nebraska has collected $1.03 billion in net revenue so far this fiscal year, compared to $833 million at the same point last year. That’s a 23% increase year-over-year.
The projections used in the report come from the Nebraska Economic Forecasting Advisory Board’s April 25 forecast, which was later adjusted for legislation passed this year.