Massachusetts collected more than $2.9 billion in taxes in April — about 3 percent less than what was collected in April of last year.
Revenue collections in April were also well below expectations, falling $172 million short of predictions.
State revenues are more than $260 million below expectations with just two months left in the fiscal year.
Revenue Commissioner Michael Heffernan says the state's economy "remains healthy and strong" despite the sobering tax revenue numbers. He says withholding tax collections are an indication of continued growth in wages.
Withholding taxes were about $75 million above the benchmark in April. Income tax collections were $141 million below the monthly estimate.
April is a significant month because of tax returns and first-quarter estimated income tax payments.