Pennsylvania sales tax at a glance
| State sales tax rate | 6% |
| Average local rate | 0.34% |
| Average combined rate | 6.34% |
| Combined rate rank (1 = highest of 50 states) | 34 |
The average local rate is weighted by population, so your own rate may be higher or lower.
What's taxed in Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue says the state rate is 6%, with an extra 1% local tax in Allegheny County (7% total) and 2% in Philadelphia (8% total). Most clothing and groceries (food that isn't ready to eat) are exempt.
How it's calculated
Price before tax = total ÷ (1 + rate ÷ 100)
This is the same calculator as the main sales tax calculator, with Pennsylvania's rate filled in.
Worked example
A $100 purchase at the 6% state rate has $6.00 of tax, for $106.00. At the 6.34% average combined rate it's $6.34 of tax, for $106.34. Working backwards, a $106.00 receipt at 6% was $100.00 before tax.
Find your exact rate
Your rate is the state rate plus any county, city or district taxes where you buy. For deliveries, it's usually the rate where the item is delivered. The Pennsylvania revenue department publishes current rates.
Limitations
- Stores round tax to the cent, per item or per receipt, so results can differ by a penny.
- A receipt that mixes taxed and untaxed items won't give one clean rate.
- Rates can change at the start of any quarter. Combined rates here are averages as of July 1, 2026.
Compare every state on the sales tax by state page.