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Local Option Sales Tax Analysis for Elk River, MN 30 Variance between Actual and Potential Sales The variance between actual and expected sales is the difference in sales from the “norm” (i.e., the amount above or below the standard established by the expected sales formula). When actual sales exceed expected sales, the county has a “surplus” of retail sales. When actual sales fall short of expected sales, the county has a retail sales “leakage.” Discrepancies between expected and actual sales occur for a variety of reasons. For this study, we use potential sales per merchandise group to create a first-cut estimate of residents’ purchase activities. Cautions Gross Sales Gross sales are a comprehensive measure of business activity, but it should be noted the numbers in this report are self-reported. Furthermore, gross sales are not audited by the State of Minnesota. It is believed gross sales figures are generally reliable, but there is the possibility of distortions, especially in smaller cities where misreporting may have occurred. Misclassification Holders of sales and use tax permits select the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) category that best fits their business. Regardless of who makes this classification, errors are occasionally made. Also, sometimes a business will start out as one type but evolve over time to a considerably different type. Misclassifications can distort sales among business categories, especially in smaller cities. For example, a furniture store that is classified as a general merchandise store will under-report sales in the furniture store category and over-report sales in the general merchandise category. Suppressed Data The sales data for merchandise categories that have less than four reporting firms are not reported. This is a measure taken by most states to protect the confidentiality of sales tax permit holders. Sales for suppressed retail categories are placed into the miscellaneous retail category (NAICS 999) and included in total sales but not total sales of a typical retail trade analysis. For this report, however, all taxable sales—including NAICS 999—are part of calculating the amount of special taxes collected. Consolidated Reporting Vendors with more than one location in Minnesota have the option of filing a separate return for each location or filing one consolidated return for all locations. The consolidated return shows sales made, tax due, and location by city and county for each business. Data for consolidated filers are combined with data for single-location filers to produce the figures in this report. Occasionally, consolidated reports may not be properly deconstructed, and all sales for a company may be reported for one town or city. Whenever misreporting is discovered, the Minnesota Department of Revenue is contacted to clarify the situation.