Minn. tax collections top expectations for January

Minnesota tax collectors took in nearly $47 million more than they expected in January, a glimmer of positive news in an otherwise dreary budget picture.

Minnesota Management and Budget said Wednesday that the state collected $1.36 billion last month. That was 3.6 percent better than anticipated, as individual and corporate income taxes and sales taxes came in above projections.

The agency says the state is now $45 million ahead of revenue projections for the fiscal year that started in July.

The figures give only half a picture of the state's budget health because they don't include state spending. A complete budget forecast is due in early March.

The most recent forecast projected a $1.2 billion deficit through mid-2011.

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