Sales Tax for Pennsylvania (2026)
Pennsylvania (PA) Key Facts
State Sales Tax Rate
6%
Has State Sales Tax
Yes
Local Taxes May Apply
Yes
Tax Type
Sales and use tax
How This Calculator Works in Pennsylvania
This calculator estimates the Pennsylvania sales tax on your purchase amount using the state rate of 6%. Enter your purchase price to see the tax amount and total cost.
Pennsylvania Overview
Pennsylvania charges a 6% state sales tax, with Philadelphia adding 2% (8% total) and Allegheny County adding 1% (7%). The state is notably generous with exemptions — most clothing, groceries, prescription and OTC drugs, and many necessities are completely tax-free, making the effective burden lower than the nominal rate.
How Pennsylvania Compares
Pennsylvania's sales tax rate of 6% compares to New York at 4% and New Jersey at 6.625%. Combined with local rates, the effective sales tax burden varies by location.
| State | Top Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New York | 4% | New York has a sales tax rate of 4%. |
| New Jersey | 6.625% | New Jersey has a sales tax rate of 6.625%. |
| Ohio | 5.75% | Ohio has a sales tax rate of 5.75%. |
Pennsylvania's sales tax rate of 6% compares to a national average of approximately 5.10%. This is above the national average.
Tips for Pennsylvania Residents
- 1Pennsylvania's 6% state rate is joined by 2% local tax in Philadelphia and 1% in Allegheny County (Pittsburgh), making those cities' rates 8% and 7%.
- 2Most clothing is completely exempt from Pennsylvania sales tax — one of the broadest clothing exemptions in the country.
- 3Groceries, prescription and non-prescription drugs, and most food items are exempt from Pennsylvania sales tax.
- 4Pennsylvania holds a back-to-school sales tax holiday for computers and related items.
- 5Pennsylvania exempts many necessities including heating fuels, textbooks, and caskets from sales tax.