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Sales Tax Calculator Pennsylvania — Free 2026

Calculate Pennsylvania sales tax with the 6% state base rate. Click a city for local combined rates or enter your own.

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Philadelphia 8% Pittsburgh (Allegheny Co) 7% Rest of State 6% State Base 6%

Sales Tax Breakdown

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Tax Amount
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Total With Tax
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Effective Rate
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Pre-Tax Amount

How It Works

  1. Enter purchase amount
  2. Select your city rate
  3. View results
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Understanding Sales Tax in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has a relatively simple sales tax structure compared to most states. The state base rate is 6%, and only two localities add additional taxes: Philadelphia (2% extra for 8% total) and Allegheny County/Pittsburgh (1% extra for 7% total). Everywhere else in Pennsylvania, you pay just the flat 6% state rate. This simplicity makes it easy for shoppers to know exactly what they will pay.

How Pennsylvania Sales Tax Works

The 6% state rate applies to most retail purchases of tangible personal property. Unlike states with dozens of local tax jurisdictions, Pennsylvania keeps it straightforward with only two local additions. Philadelphia's 2% local tax helps fund city services in the state's largest city. Allegheny County's 1% tax supports the Pittsburgh region. For help calculating tips at restaurants, see our tip calculator.

Generous Exemptions

Pennsylvania is one of the most shopper-friendly states for exemptions. Most clothing is tax-free, including everyday items like shirts, pants, shoes, coats, and underwear (formal wear and furs are exceptions). Most grocery food is also exempt. Prescription and non-prescription drugs are exempt too. While Pennsylvania does not offer sales tax holidays, these broad year-round exemptions save residents significantly. For all-states comparison, see the US Sales Tax Calculator.

State base rates shown. Most clothing and groceries are exempt from PA sales tax. Local additions apply only in Philadelphia and Allegheny County.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pennsylvania's sales tax rate?
Pennsylvania has a state base sales tax rate of 6%. Only two localities add additional taxes: Philadelphia adds 2% for a combined rate of 8%, and Allegheny County (Pittsburgh) adds 1% for a combined rate of 7%. All other areas in Pennsylvania pay just the 6% state rate.
Why does Philadelphia have a higher sales tax?
Philadelphia is one of only two jurisdictions in Pennsylvania allowed to levy a local sales tax. The city adds a 2% local tax on top of the 6% state rate, bringing the combined rate to 8%. This additional revenue helps fund city services. Allegheny County (Pittsburgh) adds 1% for a 7% combined rate. All other PA counties charge only the 6% state rate.
Is clothing taxed in Pennsylvania?
No. Most clothing is exempt from Pennsylvania sales tax. This includes everyday clothing like shirts, pants, dresses, coats, shoes, and undergarments. However, formal wear, fur clothing, sporting equipment, and accessories like jewelry and handbags are taxable. This makes Pennsylvania one of the most clothing-friendly states for shoppers.
Are groceries taxed in Pennsylvania?
No. Most grocery food items are exempt from Pennsylvania sales tax. This includes unprepared food purchased at grocery stores. However, prepared food, candy, gum, and soft drinks are taxable. Pennsylvania does not offer sales tax holidays, but its broad exemptions for clothing and groceries provide year-round savings.

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