State tax collections are up 17.4 percent through the first eight months of the fiscal year, according to the state Department of Taxation, but the increase is 9.8 percent once the impact of a delay in tax refunds in 2010 is factored.

The department reports that general excise and use taxes — the largest category — are up 10.3 percent from the previous year. Hotel room tax revenue is up 18.7 percent.

The state Council on Revenues has projected 12 percent growth for the fiscal year that ends in June.