Pennsylvania Sales Tax Calculator 2026 — 6% Rate

Pennsylvania Sales Tax Rate: State vs Combined

The Pennsylvania state sales tax rate is 6%. However, most shoppers pay more than the state rate because counties and cities add their own local taxes on top. The average combined rate across all jurisdictions in Pennsylvania is 6.34%, according to Tax Foundation 2026 data. This means a $100 purchase could cost between $106.00 (state only) and more in high-tax localities.

What Is and Isn't Taxed in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania exempts most unprepared grocery items from state sales tax, which helps reduce the cost of essential food purchases. Pennsylvania exempts most clothing items from state sales tax, making it a tax-friendly state for apparel purchases. Prescription drugs are also exempt from sales tax in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania Sales Tax Holidays

Pennsylvania exempts food (unprepared), clothing, and prescription drugs. During a sales tax holiday, qualifying items are sold without collecting state sales tax — and sometimes local sales tax too. Check the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue website for exact dates, eligible items, and price limits each year.

How to Calculate Pennsylvania Sales Tax

To calculate Pennsylvania sales tax: multiply the purchase price by the applicable rate. For the state rate only: price × 6% = tax. For the combined rate: use 6.34% for an average estimate, or enter the exact local rate from your receipt or the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue website. Example: a $200 purchase at the 6.34% combined rate = $12.68 in tax = $212.68 total.

Pennsylvania Cities Sales Tax — Philadelphia, Allegheny, and the Rest

Pennsylvania allows only two jurisdictions to charge local sales tax on top of the 6% state rate. Philadelphia adds 2% for a total of 8%. Allegheny County (which includes Pittsburgh) adds 1% for a total of 7%. Every other Pennsylvania city and county charges only the 6% state rate — so a $100 purchase in Harrisburg, Erie, Scranton, Lancaster, Reading, Bethlehem, Allentown, or anywhere outside Philly/Allegheny County costs $106 in tax. That makes the state's average combined rate (6.34%) a touch misleading: most shoppers pay exactly 6%, while Philadelphians pay 8%. Major shopping centers near the Philadelphia border (King of Prussia Mall in Montgomery County, Cherry Hill in NJ across the river) are popular with Philly residents specifically because they fall outside the 8% rate. Source: Pennsylvania Department of Revenue — Sales & Use Tax. Updated 2026-06-20.

Tips for Accurate Sales Tax Calculations

Always confirm the exact local rate for your specific city or county — the combined average (6.34%) is a statewide mean and may differ from your actual checkout rate. Large purchases like vehicles, appliances, or electronics are where the difference between state-only and combined rates matters most. Keep receipts that show the tax rate used; this helps verify correct tax was charged and supports any refund claims for exempt purchases. If you are making a business purchase, check whether your state offers a sales tax exemption certificate to avoid paying tax on resale items.

Pennsylvania Vehicle Sales Tax: Philadelphia and Allegheny County Surcharges (2026)

Pennsylvania vehicle sales tax follows the same Philadelphia/Allegheny County split as retail purchases. A vehicle titled in Philadelphia pays 8% (6% state + 2% city). A vehicle titled in Allegheny County (including Pittsburgh) pays 7%. Everywhere else in PA pays the flat 6%. The tax is calculated on the negotiated price minus trade-in value — PA is one of 38 states that allows the trade-in credit, which often saves $1,500–$3,000 on a typical deal. Worked example: a $35,000 truck with a $10,000 trade-in titled in Pittsburgh = $25,000 × 7% = $1,750 sales tax. Same vehicle titled in Erie = $25,000 × 6% = $1,500. Same vehicle titled in Philadelphia = $25,000 × 8% = $2,000. Tax is paid at PennDOT title transfer, not at the dealership for private-party sales. If you buy out of state and title in PA, you owe use tax at your home county's rate — credit given for tax paid to the other state. Source: PA Department of Revenue — Sales & Use Tax. Updated 2026-06-27.