Pennsylvania Sales Tax Calculator (2026 Rates)
Current Pennsylvania sales tax rates, city examples, economic nexus thresholds, exemptions, and FAQ.
State Rate
6.00%
Avg Combined
12.34%
Max Combined
8.00%
Nexus Threshold
$100K
Example: $100 purchase in Pennsylvania
Tax to collect (avg)
$12.34
Total from customer
$112.34
About Pennsylvania Sales Tax
Pennsylvania charges a 6% state sales tax. Two cities impose additional local taxes: Philadelphia adds 2% (total 8%) and Pittsburgh adds 1% (total 7%). All other locations in Pennsylvania have a flat 6% rate. The statewide average combined rate is 6.34%.
Pennsylvania is an origin-based state for in-state sellers, meaning businesses located in Pennsylvania collect based on their location's rate. Remote sellers collect based on the destination address, which means shipping to Philadelphia triggers the 8% rate.
The economic nexus threshold in Pennsylvania is $100,000 in annual gross sales into the state. There is no transaction count requirement. Once exceeded, you must register with the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue.
Pennsylvania has one of the broadest lists of exemptions in the country: most clothing and footwear are exempt year-round, as are most groceries, prescription drugs, and textbooks. This makes the effective sales tax burden lower than the nominal rate suggests.
Pennsylvania Sales Tax by City
| City | Combined Rate |
|---|---|
| Philadelphia | 8.00% |
| Pittsburgh | 7.00% |
| Allentown | 6.00% |
| Harrisburg | 6.00% |
| Erie | 6.00% |
Rates shown are combined state + local rates for representative cities. Actual rates may vary by specific address, district, or zone. Verify with the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue.
Pennsylvania Sales Tax Facts
Tax Structure
- State rate
- 6.00%
- Average local rate
- 6.34%
- Maximum local rate
- 2.00%
- Avg combined rate
- 12.34%
- Sourcing method
- Origin + local
Economic Nexus
- Threshold
- $100K
- Includes transactions
- No
Once you exceed this threshold in annual sales into Pennsylvania, you must register and collect sales tax.
Pennsylvania Sales Tax Exemptions
- Groceries (most food for home consumption)
- Clothing (most items)
- Prescription drugs
- Textbooks and most educational materials
- Agricultural supplies
Pennsylvania Sales Tax FAQ
What is the Pennsylvania sales tax rate in 2026?
Pennsylvania's state sales tax rate is 6%. Philadelphia adds a 2% local tax (total 8%), and Pittsburgh adds a 1% local tax (total 7%). All other locations have a flat 6% rate. The statewide average combined rate is 6.34%.
Is clothing tax-free in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Pennsylvania exempts most clothing and footwear from sales tax year-round. This includes everyday apparel, coats, shoes, and accessories. Formal clothing, fur clothing, and athletic equipment are taxable, but the vast majority of clothing purchases are tax-free.
What is the economic nexus threshold for Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania's economic nexus threshold is $100,000 in annual gross sales into the state. There is no transaction count requirement. Once exceeded, you must register with the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue and begin collecting sales tax.
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Data Sources & Disclaimer
Sales tax rates are based on data from the Sales Tax Institute and Avalara, effective for 2026 (updated annually). State and local sales tax rates are approximate averages. Actual rates vary by city, county, and district. Economic nexus thresholds are simplified. Always verify with the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue or a tax professional.