Sturgis Rally tax revenues increase

Tax revenues were up during this years Sturgis Rally according to data released by the South Dakota Department of Revenue . So far, the state has pulled in $1.29 million in sales tax from temporary vendors at the rally. This is up 3 percent from last year. The state sales tax accounted for the majority of collections with $742,181. The department’s 2018 collections also include $245,019 in the state tourism tax and $298,971 in municipal taxes. Tax revenue increased in 2018, despite fewer temporary vendors at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally compared to 2017. The 2018 rally featured 1,011 temporary vendors, while the 2017 event had 1,058. The Northern Black Hills, which includes Sturgis and all communities in Meade and Lawrence counties, accumulated $972,278 in tax from the 804 vendors present. The Southern Black Hills, which includes Rapid City, Custer, Hill City and Keystone, had 207 temporary vendors with $313,893 in total tax collected.