The existing literature lacks empirical nexus of natural resources tax (TNRT) volatility and economic performance. Also, the digital economy is currently a hot issue among researchers and policy-makers. Therefore, the current study investigates TNRT volatility and economic performance – while adopting the role of digital economy (DEE), financial development (FD), technological innovation (TI), research and development expenditures (RDE). This study examines 30 Chinese provinces covering the period from 2006 to 2017. Using the panel quantile regression, this study explores that TNRT volatility, DEE, FD, and TI significantly increase economic performance in all the quantiles (Q0.25, Q0.50, Q0.75). However, RDE is found positive and significant only in Q0.25, Q0.50, while insignificant in Q0.75. The findings of quantile regression are robust, as confirmed by the panel dynamic ordinary least square (DOLS). Besides, the Dumitrescu and Hurlin (2012) Granger panel causality test unveil a bidirectional causal nexus between TNRT, FD, TI, RDE and economic performance, while no causal nexus is detected between DEE and economic performance. This study recommends adopting and enhancing the digital economy, financial development, technological innovation, and research and development. •Natural Resources Tax Volatility and Economic Performance are investigated.•Considers the role of digital economy, financial development and innovation.•Panel quantile regression and causality tests are utilized.•Total natural resources and all other variables promote economic performance.•Bidirectional causality exists between economic performance and variables.