Pennsylvania Sales Tax Calculator 2026

2026

Calculate sales tax in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania has a 6% state sales tax rate with additional local taxes that vary by jurisdiction. Based on current PA rates.

$
%
Exempt Groceries
Exempt Clothing

Total Tax

$8.00

Total with Tax

$108.00

Combined Rate

8.000%

Tax Breakdown

State Tax (6.00%)$6.00
Local Tax (2.00%)$2.00
Total Sales Tax$8.00
Total with Tax$108.00

Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, financial, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the information you provide and current rates. Always consult a qualified tax professional or financial advisor for advice specific to your situation.

Pennsylvania Sales Tax Guide

Pennsylvania charges a 6% state sales tax, and what the state chooses not to tax matters as much as the rate. Groceries, most clothing, prescription drugs, and many over-the-counter medicines are exempt, which keeps everyday household spending lighter than the headline 6% suggests. The tax instead falls on prepared food, electronics, furniture, vehicles, and most general merchandise. That broad clothing exemption is unusual and sets Pennsylvania apart from many neighboring states.

Two places add a local layer. Allegheny County, home to Pittsburgh, tacks on 1% for a 7% combined rate, and Philadelphia adds 2% for 8%. Everywhere else in the state, the rate stays at the flat 6%. Pennsylvania also enforces a use tax: if you buy a taxable item from an out-of-state or online seller that does not collect Pennsylvania sales tax, you owe the same 6% (or local rate) directly to the Department of Revenue, typically reported on your income tax return or a use tax form.

Pennsylvania Sales Tax Details (2026)

State Sales Tax Rate 6%
Local Taxes Apply Yes
Local Tax Note Pennsylvania has over 2,500 local jurisdictions that levy earned income taxes (EIT) ranging from 0% to approximately 3.924%. Philadelphia imposes a local income tax of 3.75% on residents. Local taxes are separate from and in addition to the state income tax.
State Income Tax 3.07% (flat)
Avg. Property Tax Rate 1.53%

Official Sources:

Pennsylvania Sales Tax FAQ

Is clothing really tax-free in Pennsylvania?
Yes, most everyday clothing is exempt from Pennsylvania sales tax, which is uncommon among states. The exemption covers ordinary wearable items, but it does not extend to accessories, formal or fur apparel, and certain sporting gear, which remain taxable at 6%. Groceries and prescription drugs are likewise exempt, so a typical supermarket or clothing-store trip often carries no sales tax.
Why does my receipt show 7% or 8% sales tax in Pennsylvania?
Two jurisdictions add local sales tax on top of the 6% state rate. Allegheny County adds 1% for a 7% total, and Philadelphia adds 2% for an 8% total. Throughout the rest of Pennsylvania the rate is a flat 6%, so a higher figure on your receipt usually means the sale occurred in Pittsburgh's county or in Philadelphia.
Do I owe use tax on online purchases in Pennsylvania?
Yes, if a remote or out-of-state seller does not collect Pennsylvania sales tax on a taxable item, you owe 6% use tax (or 7%/8% in Allegheny County or Philadelphia) directly to the state. The Department of Revenue lets individuals report it on the PA-40 income tax return or a separate use tax filing. Many large online retailers now collect at checkout, but smaller sellers may not.
Is prepared food taxed differently from groceries in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Unprepared groceries you buy to cook at home are exempt, but prepared or ready-to-eat food, such as restaurant meals, hot deli items, and catered food, is taxable at 6%. The same supermarket can ring up an exempt bag of produce and a taxable hot rotisserie chicken on one receipt, which is why grocery trips sometimes show a small taxable subtotal.