Disclaimer: All rates and figures on this page are estimates for general informational purposes only and are not financial, tax, or legal advice. Sales tax rates change and vary by city, county, and the type of item purchased. Verify current rates with the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue before relying on these figures, and consult a qualified tax professional for specific guidance.
Calculate sales tax on any purchase in Pennsylvania. The state sales tax rate is 6%, and when combined with the average local rate of 0.34%, the total average in Pennsylvania comes to 6.34%. Actual rates vary by city and county.
Pennsylvania Sales Tax Rates
- State Rate
- 6%
- Avg Local Rate
- 0.34%
- Combined Average
- 6.34%
Quick Reference
Pennsylvania has a flat 3.07% income tax and does not tax retirement income.
State income tax: 3.07% top rate
How Pennsylvania's Sales Tax Stacks Up
At 6.34% combined (state plus average local), Pennsylvania's sales tax ranks 35th-highest nationally — below the national median of 7%.
The 6% state rate does most of the work in Pennsylvania, with local jurisdictions adding an average of 0.34%.
Combined state-plus-local averages nearby: Delaware (no sales tax); Maryland (6%); New Jersey (6.625%); New York (8.54%); Ohio (7.29%). Delaware charges no sales tax at all.
Pennsylvania Sales Tax Table
Quick reference for common purchase amounts at the 6.34% combined average rate:
| Purchase Price | Sales Tax | Total |
|---|---|---|
| $10 | $0.63 | $10.63 |
| $25 | $1.58 | $26.59 |
| $50 | $3.17 | $53.17 |
| $100 | $6.34 | $106.34 |
| $250 | $15.85 | $265.85 |
| $500 | $31.70 | $531.70 |
| $1,000 | $63.40 | $1063.40 |
| $2,500 | $158.50 | $2658.50 |
| $5,000 | $317.00 | $5317.00 |
Understanding Pennsylvania Sales Tax
Sales tax in Pennsylvania is collected at the point of sale on most tangible goods and some services. The state portion of 6% is uniform statewide, while local jurisdictions may add their own rates, averaging 0.34% across the state. Certain items like groceries and prescription medications may be exempt or taxed at reduced rates.
When budgeting in Pennsylvania, remember that sales tax affects your purchasing power. With a median home value of $239,100 and a property tax rate of 1.49%, understanding all taxes helps you make informed financial decisions.
What Is and Is Not Taxed in Pennsylvania
Unprepared groceries are exempt from Pennsylvania state sales tax — most food is exempt; ready-to-eat food and caterer sales are taxable.
Everyday clothing and footwear are exempt from Pennsylvania sales tax; formal wear, fur and sporting apparel are taxable.
Prescription medicines are exempt in Pennsylvania, as they are in every state that levies a sales tax; over-the-counter drugs and most medical supplies are treated separately and are frequently taxable.
Out-of-state sellers must register and collect Pennsylvania tax once they cross the state's economic nexus threshold, a rule that follows from the 2018 Supreme Court decision in South Dakota v. Wayfair. Below that threshold, the buyer technically owes use tax instead.