Pennsylvania Sales Tax Calculator
Calculate the exact sales tax for any purchase in Pennsylvania. Get instant breakdowns of state, county, and city taxes. Updated with current 2026 rates.
PA Base State Rate: 6% (up to 8% combined)
Allegheny
Total Amount
$107.00
$100.00 + $7.00 tax
Tax Components
Pennsylvania Sales Tax Highlights
Pennsylvania has a 6% state sales tax
Philadelphia has 8% combined rate
Most clothing and groceries exempt
Pennsylvania Sales Tax FAQ
What is Pennsylvania's sales tax rate?
Pennsylvania has a 6% state rate. Philadelphia adds 2% for an 8% total. Allegheny County (Pittsburgh) adds 1%.
Pennsylvania Sales Tax Rate Structure in 2026
Pennsylvania imposes a 6% state sales tax on most retail purchases. Only two jurisdictions add local taxes: Philadelphia adds 2% for an 8% combined rate, and Allegheny County (Pittsburgh) adds 1% for a 7% combined rate. The rest of the state pays a flat 6%.
| Area | State Rate | Local Rate | Combined Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | 6% | 2% | 8% |
| Pittsburgh (Allegheny Co.) | 6% | 1% | 7% |
| Rest of Pennsylvania | 6% | 0% | 6% |
This simple structure makes Pennsylvania one of the easiest states for sales tax compliance — most businesses need to track only one rate unless they sell into Philadelphia or Allegheny County.
Tax-Exempt Items and Special Rules in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has generous exemptions compared to most states. Both groceries (unprepared food) and most clothing are fully exempt from sales tax. Prescription drugs and non-prescription medications are also exempt.
| Category | Taxable? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Groceries (unprepared food) | Exempt | Food for home consumption |
| Prepared food / restaurant meals | Taxable | Full combined rate |
| Most clothing | Exempt | Everyday wear exempt; formal wear, fur, sporting goods taxable |
| Prescription drugs | Exempt | No tax on prescriptions |
| Non-prescription medicine | Exempt | OTC drugs also exempt |
| Textbooks | Exempt | Required for coursework |
| Motor vehicles | Taxable | 6% (8% in Philadelphia) |
Clothing exemptions have exceptions: formal wear, fur clothing, sporting equipment worn as clothing, and accessories (jewelry, handbags) are taxable. The line between exempt and taxable clothing items is based on Pennsylvania's published list of exempt items.
Filing and Compliance for Pennsylvania Sales Tax
The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue administers all sales tax collection. Businesses must obtain a Sales Tax License and file returns monthly, quarterly, or semi-annually based on their tax liability. Monthly filing is required for businesses with annual liability above $600.
Pennsylvania requires remote sellers to collect sales tax once they exceed $100,000 in annual sales to Pennsylvania buyers. Marketplace facilitators must collect on behalf of third-party sellers since April 1, 2020.
| Filing Detail | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Economic nexus threshold | $100,000 in annual Pennsylvania sales |
| Marketplace facilitator rule | Yes — effective April 1, 2020 |
| Filing frequency | Monthly (>$600/yr), Quarterly, or Semi-annual |
| State agency | Pennsylvania Department of Revenue |
| Late filing penalty | 5% per month on unpaid tax, up to 25% |
Related Calculators
Official References
This calculator uses current sales tax rates based on official sources:
- PA Department of Revenue
Official Pennsylvania tax authority
Tax rates are updated regularly but may change. Always verify current rates with local tax authorities for official transactions.