The state’s general fund revenues were up 16 percent for the first six months of the fiscal year, according to preliminary numbers from the Department of Taxation.

From the department’s news release:

Half way into the current 2012 fiscal year, general fund deposits are up by 16.0% compared with the 2011 fiscal year. 

General excise and use taxes, the largest single category of collections, were $205.4 million in December. For the first half of the 2012 fiscal year, general excise and use taxes have increased by 7.8% over the previous year. 

Transient accommodations tax (TAT) collections were $22.1 million for the month. Compared to the 2011 fiscal year, TAT collections are up by 15.7%.

The 16 percent year-over-year growth reflects a higher rate than the currently projected 11.5 percent growth by the Council on Revenues for the full fiscal year.