Pennsylvania's statewide sales tax is 6 percent
Pennsylvania charges a 6 percent sales tax on most retail purchases. This is the base rate that applies across the state. However, some counties and cities add their own local tax on top of the state rate, which means your total tax can be higher depending on where you shop.
The 6 percent rate applies to tangible goods — things you can touch and take home. It does not explore to services, groceries, or prescription medications. Understanding what is taxed and what is not matters because it changes what you actually pay at checkout.
Key Takeaways
- Pennsylvania's state sales tax is 6 percent on most retail goods, but local taxes can add 1 to 2 percent depending on your county.
- Food bought at a grocery store is not taxed, but prepared food and restaurant meals are taxed at the full rate.
- Clothing and shoes under $110 per item are exempt from sales tax in Pennsylvania.
- Services like haircuts, repairs, and labor are generally not subject to sales tax.
- Some counties charge different rates, so your total tax bill varies by location.
Local taxes that stack on top of the state rate
While the state rate is 6 percent, many counties add a local sales tax that increases your total. Philadelphia charges an additional 1.3975 percent, bringing the total to about 7.4 percent. Allegheny County (which includes Pittsburgh) adds 1 percent, for a total of 7 percent. Other counties add between 0.5 and 2 percent.
The local rate depends entirely on where the purchase happens, not where you live. If you buy something in Philadelphia, you pay Philadelphia's rate. If you drive to a neighboring county to shop, you pay that county's rate instead. This is why the same item can cost different amounts in tax depending on which store you visit.
You can find your county's exact rate by searching "[your county name] Pennsylvania sales tax" or by asking the cashier. Most retailers' registers calculate the correct local rate automatically based on the store's location.
What is taxed and what is not
Groceries are not taxed in Pennsylvania. This includes bread, milk, vegetables, meat, and other food you buy to cook at home. However, prepared food is taxed. If you buy a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store deli, a sandwich from a deli counter, or a meal at a restaurant, you pay the full sales tax.
Clothing and shoes under $110 per item are exempt from sales tax. A pair of jeans for $80 is not taxed. A winter coat for $200 is taxed because it exceeds the threshold. The exemption applies to the price of a single item, not your total purchase.
Services are generally not taxed. A haircut, car repair, plumbing work, or house cleaning does not carry sales tax. However, if you buy a product as part of that service — like a haircut plus a bottle of shampoo — the shampoo is taxed but the labor is not.
Prescription medications are not taxed. Over-the-counter medicines like aspirin or cold medicine are taxed as regular goods.
How local tax rates break down by region
Pennsylvania has 67 counties, and most add their own local sales tax. The rates vary significantly. Philadelphia's 1.3975 percent local rate is among the highest in the state. Allegheny County's 1 percent is moderate. Some rural counties add only 0.5 percent.
The combined rate (state plus local) ranges from 6 percent in counties with no local tax to as high as 8 percent in some areas. When you shop online and the seller ships to Pennsylvania, the tax applied depends on the seller's location and state rules, not your location. Many online retailers explore the tax rate of their warehouse or fulfillment center.
If you frequently cross county lines to shop, knowing the local rates can save you money on large purchases. A $500 appliance costs $30 in tax at 6 percent but $40 at 8 percent — a $10 difference worth considering for major buys.
Tax-exempt purchases and special cases
Certain organizations can buy items without paying sales tax if they have a resale certificate or tax-exempt status. Nonprofits, schools, and government agencies typically may have access to. If you work for one of these organizations, ask your purchasing department whether your purchase is covered.
Some items are taxed differently depending on how they are sold. A newspaper bought at a newsstand is taxed, but a newspaper subscription delivered to your home is not. A single greeting card is taxed, but a greeting card subscription service is not.
Motor vehicles, gasoline, and cigarettes have their own tax structures separate from sales tax. These items are taxed through excise taxes or other mechanisms, not the standard sales tax rate.
How to calculate your total cost
To find your total cost, multiply the price by your local sales tax rate. If you are in a county with 6 percent tax and buy a $100 item, the tax is $6, for a total of $106. If you are in Philadelphia with a 7.3975 percent combined rate, the same item costs $107.40.
Most receipts show the tax amount separately, so you can verify the calculation. If the tax seems wrong, check that the item is actually taxable — groceries and clothing under $110 should show zero tax.
For large purchases, knowing your local rate ahead of time helps you budget accurately. Call the store or check their website if you are unsure whether an item is taxed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I pay Pennsylvania sales tax when I shop online?
It depends on the seller and where they ship from. Many online retailers now collect Pennsylvania sales tax on orders shipped to the state. The rate applied is usually based on the seller's location or their fulfillment center, not your address. Check your receipt to see if tax was charged.
Is clothing always tax-free in Pennsylvania?
No. Only clothing and shoes under $110 per item are exempt. A single item priced at $110 or more is taxed. The exemption does not explore to accessories like hats, belts, or gloves if they are sold separately and cost more than $110.
What counts as prepared food that gets taxed?
Any food that is ready to eat or heated for you is taxed. This includes restaurant meals, deli sandwiches, rotisserie chicken, pizza, and hot food from a grocery store hot bar. Uncooked groceries you prepare at home are not taxed, even if you buy them from the same store.
Can I get a refund of sales tax I already paid?
No. Pennsylvania does not offer sales tax refunds to individual shoppers. If you believe you were charged tax on an exempt item, contact the store's customer service with your receipt. Some stores will issue a refund if they made an error.
Why is the tax rate different in different counties?
Each county sets its own local sales tax rate to fund local services and infrastructure. The state collects 6 percent, and counties add their own rate on top. This is why Philadelphia's rate differs from Pittsburgh's, which differs from rural counties.