What is the sales tax rate in Pennsylvania?

The Pennsylvania statewide sales tax rate is 6.000%. However, two counties have additional local taxes: Philadelphia County adds 2% (total 8%) and Allegheny County adds 1% (total 7%).

Does Pennsylvania have local sales tax?

Yes, but only in two counties. Philadelphia County has a 2% local tax (8% total) and Allegheny County has a 1% local tax (7% total). All other Pennsylvania counties charge only the 6.000% state rate.

Are groceries taxed in Pennsylvania?

No, most unprepared grocery items such as milk, bread, vegetables, and meat are exempt from Pennsylvania sales tax. However, prepared foods, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages remain taxable at the full rate.

Is clothing taxed in Pennsylvania?

Most clothing is exempt from sales tax in Pennsylvania. However, there are exceptions for formal wear, fur clothing (both real and synthetic), costumes, and specialized sports clothing like helmets and protective gear.

Do I pay sales tax on used cars in Pennsylvania?

Yes, Pennsylvania charges 6.000% sales tax on motor vehicle purchases, whether new or used. In Philadelphia, the total would be 8% including the 2% local tax.

When did Pennsylvania last change its sales tax rate?

Pennsylvania last raised its state sales tax rate in 1968. The 6.000% state rate has remained unchanged for over 50 years, making it one of the most stable sales tax rates in the United States.

Are digital products taxed in Pennsylvania?

Yes, Pennsylvania taxes digital products including music downloads, ebooks, apps, streaming services, and Software as a Service (SaaS). These are treated the same as tangible personal property for sales tax purposes.

Do I pay PA sales tax on online purchases?

Yes, Pennsylvania requires sales tax on online purchases delivered to Pennsylvania addresses. Since July 1, 2019, out-of-state sellers with over $100,000 in Pennsylvania sales must collect the 6.000% state tax (plus local taxes if applicable).

Sales Tax Calculator

Pennsylvania Sales Tax
Calculator

Calculate Pennsylvania sales tax instantly for any city. Enter any amount to see the exact tax and total.

State Rate

6.000%

Select City

Amount before tax

About Pennsylvania Sales Tax

State rate: 6.000%

Local rate in Philadelphia County: 2.000%

Combined rate in Philadelphia: 8.000%

State Rate

6.000%

Local Tax

Up to 2%

Max Combined

8.000%

Luzerne County

6.000%

Standard Rate

44,328

City	County	Standard Rate	Special District	Population
Philadelphia	Philadelphia	8.000%	Standard Rate	1,603,797
Pittsburgh	Allegheny	7.000%	Standard Rate	302,971
Allentown	Lehigh	6.000%	Standard Rate	125,845
Reading	Berks	6.000%	Standard Rate	95,112
Erie	Erie	6.000%	Standard Rate	94,831
Scranton	Lackawanna	6.000%	Standard Rate	76,328
Bethlehem	Northampton	6.000%	Standard Rate	75,781
Lancaster	Lancaster	6.000%	Standard Rate	58,039
Harrisburg	Dauphin	6.000%	Standard Rate	50,135
Wilkes-Barre	Luzerne	6.000%	Standard Rate	44,328
Altoona	Blair	6.000%	Standard Rate	43,963
Chester	Delaware	6.000%	Standard Rate	32,605
Hazleton	Luzerne	6.000%	Standard Rate	29,963
Easton	Northampton	6.000%	Standard Rate	28,127
Williamsport	Lycoming	6.000%	Standard Rate	27,754
Lebanon	Lebanon	6.000%	Standard Rate	26,814
New Castle	Lawrence	6.000%	Standard Rate	21,926
Johnstown	Cambria	6.000%	Standard Rate	18,411
McKeesport	Allegheny	7.000%	Standard Rate	17,727
Pottsville	Schuylkill	6.000%	Standard Rate	13,346
Washington	Washington	6.000%	Standard Rate	13,176
Sharon	Mercer	6.000%	Standard Rate	13,147
Nanticoke	Luzerne	6.000%	Standard Rate	10,628
Uniontown	Fayette	6.000%	Standard Rate	9,984
Sunbury	Northumberland	6.000%	Standard Rate	9,719
Aliquippa	Beaver	6.000%	Standard Rate	9,238
Beaver Falls	Beaver	6.000%	Standard Rate	9,005
Hermitage	Mercer	6.000%	Standard Rate	1,623
Meadville	Crawford	6.000%	Standard Rate	1,305
York	York	6.000%	Standard Rate	448

Note: Philadelphia has the highest rate at 8% (6% state + 2% local). Pittsburgh charges 7% (6% state + 1% local). Most other Pennsylvania cities charge only the 6.000% state rate.

How to Calculate Sales Tax in Pennsylvania

Sales Tax Calculation

Pennsylvania

Example: Television Purchase

Determine the purchase price

Purchase price (before tax) $500.00

Multiply by the tax rate

$500.00 × 6.000% (0.06)

Sales tax $30.00

Add to the original price

$500.00 + $30.00

TOTAL AMOUNT DUE $530.00

Thank you for your purchase

Reverse Calculation

Know the total? Divide by 1.06 to find the pre-tax price. Example: $106.00 ÷ 1.06 = $100.00

What's Taxed?

Taxable: Electronics, furniture, digital products

Exempt: Groceries, most clothing, prescriptions

Special Pennsylvania Sales Tax Rules

Local Sales Taxes

Pennsylvania has only two counties with local sales taxes. Philadelphia County adds 2% for a total of 8%, and Allegheny County adds 1% for a total of 7%.

Important: These local taxes apply to all purchases within the county boundaries, regardless of whether you're a resident or visitor. All other Pennsylvania counties charge only the 6% state rate.

Counties with Local Tax

Philadelphia County: 2% local tax (8% total)
Allegheny County: 1% local tax (7% total)

Tax-Exempt Items

Pennsylvania exempts several essential items from sales tax

•
Food & Groceries: Most unprepared food items for home consumption (excludes prepared foods and soft drinks)
•
Most Clothing: Everyday apparel (excludes formal wear, fur clothing, and sports equipment)
•
Prescription Drugs: Medications prescribed by licensed healthcare providers
•
Textbooks: Required course materials for educational purposes
•
Residential Heating Fuels: Oil, electricity, gas, coal, and firewood for home heating

How Pennsylvania Compares to Neighboring States

Here's how Pennsylvania's sales tax stacks up against nearby states

New York

4.00%

+ up to 4.875% local

New Jersey

6.625%

No local tax

Delaware

0.00%

No sales tax!

Pennsylvania

6.000%

+ up to 2% local (Philadelphia)

#33 of 50 states

Maryland

6.00%

No local tax

West Virginia

6.00%

+ 1% local

Ohio

5.75%

+ up to 2.25% local

Pennsylvania has one of the most stable sales tax rates in the nation—unchanged since 1968. Only two counties charge local tax, making it simpler than most states.

Got Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

Pennsylvania Sales Tax Rate History

Pennsylvania's sales tax rate has been remarkably stable. Here's the history:

Effective Date	Rate	Change	Notes
July 1, 2019	6.000%	—	Economic nexus law enacted ($100,000 threshold)
July 1, 1968	6.000%	▲ +1.000%	Increased from 5% - last state rate change
March 4, 1953	5.000%	—	Sales tax first introduced in Pennsylvania

Note: While the state rate has remained at 6% since 1968, Philadelphia added its 2% local tax in 1991, and Allegheny County added its 1% local tax in 1994.

Related Calculators & Resources

Calculator

Reverse Sales Tax

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Resources

Official PA Tax Info

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Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates based on current Pennsylvania sales tax rates as of January 2025. Tax rates are subject to change by state legislation. For official tax rates and specific guidance on your situation, please consult the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue or a qualified tax professional.

Not Legal or Tax Advice: The information provided on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or tax advice. Always verify current rates before making large purchases or business decisions.

Sources: Pennsylvania Department of Revenue, PA Code Title 72 (Taxation and Fiscal Affairs)

Last updated: October 10, 2025