Sales Tax States
Pennsylvania

Reverse Sales Tax Calculator of Pennsylvania for 2024

How 2024 Sales Tax are calculated in Pennsylvania

The state general sales tax rate of Pennsylvania is 6%. Pennsylvania cities and/or municipalities don't have a city sales tax.

Every 2024 combined rates mentioned above are the results of Pennsylvania state rate (6%), the county rate (0% to 2%). There is no city sales tax for the Pennsylvania cities. There is no special rate for Pennsylvania.

Sales Tax in Pennsylvania: An Overview

Pennsylvania's sales tax plays a significant role in funding state services and programs. This tax applies to the sale of goods and certain services within the state. It is complemented by the use tax, which ensures tax compliance for goods or services purchased outside Pennsylvania but used within the state.

Applicable Taxes in Pennsylvania

  1. Sales Tax: Applies to retail sales of tangible personal property and some services within Pennsylvania.
  2. Use Tax: Imposed on goods or services purchased outside the state but used, stored, or consumed in Pennsylvania.
  3. Local Sales Taxes: Pennsylvania does not allow local governments to impose their own sales taxes, except for Philadelphia and Allegheny County.

History of Pennsylvania Sales Tax

Pennsylvania introduced its sales tax in 1953, primarily as a means to fund education and infrastructure projects. Over the years, the scope of taxable items and exemptions has evolved, reflecting changes in economic activity and legislative priorities.

Key milestones include:

  • Initial implementation in 1953.
  • Amendments to include certain services and exemptions over the decades.
  • The establishment of the use tax to address remote purchases.

Taxability and Exemption List

Below is a simplified view of taxable and exempt items in Pennsylvania:

Taxable ItemsExempt Items
Tangible personal property (e.g., electronics)Groceries (except ready-to-eat food)
Clothing accessories and luxury itemsClothing for general use
Certain digital goodsPrescription medications
Amusement and entertainment servicesMost professional services (e.g., legal)
Non-prescription drugs and vitaminsTextbooks and learning materials

Historical table of Pennsylvania sales tax rates

Here is a historical table focusing on the sales tax history of Pennsylvania

YearEvent/ChangeRateDetails
1953Sales Tax Introduced1%Pennsylvania implemented its first sales tax to support education and infrastructure.
1956Rate Increased3%Adjusted due to rising state expenses and expanding public services.
1959Rate Increased4%Further revenue needs prompted another rate hike.
1968Exemptions for Necessities Added4%Groceries and general clothing were exempted while maintaining the same rate.
1971Introduction of Use Tax4%Use tax enacted to cover out-of-state and remote purchases.
1977Rate Increased5%Funding for public education and infrastructure required an additional percentage.
1991Expansion to Select Services6%Services such as entertainment became taxable, and the rate was raised.
2008Online Sales Tax Compliance Added6%Focused on improving collection of taxes from e-commerce and remote sellers.
2019Marketplace Facilitator Law6%Out-of-state sellers and digital goods became subject to tax compliance.

For more details, please refer to the official Commonwealth of Pennsylvania website.

Pennsylvania state rate(s) for 2024

Lowest possible rate: 6% (e.g., , Pennsylvania)
Other common rates: 7% .
Highest possible rate: 8% (Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania)
Average combined rate across Pennsylvania: 6.16%

Rates changes

Changes have been made to Pennsylvania's county, city and/or special rates in 2024 compared to 2023.

List of Pennsylvania cities and their changes (up to 15)

City Name County Rate City Rate Special Rate
Millville1% (+1%) 0%0%

Most Recent Sales Tax Rate Update

The latest update to the sales tax rates was made in January 2024.

Pennsylvania Regions & ZIP Codes

Select a City

Top 10 Largest Cities in Pennsylvania
(by ZIP Code Count)

Full list of Pennsylvania cities

Other states sales taxes

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