Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Sales Tax Rate

Enter a price to calculate Philadelphia sales tax at the 8.000% combined local rate, and see the tax amount and final total for 2026.

✓ Philadelphia Combined Rate✓ Pennsylvania State Tax✓ 2026 Tax Table

Welcome to the local rate overview. The Philadelphia, Pennsylvania sales tax rate is 8.000% in 2026. This combined rate includes the Pennsylvania base rate of 6.000% plus applicable local option taxes in the transaction jurisdiction (the local portion is 2.000%). Use the calculator above to easily determine tax totals.

Quick links:Pennsylvania calculator by state by ZIP U.S. map national calculator

🛍️ Sales Tax on a $100 Purchase in Philadelphia

Here is a quick reference breakdown of how much sales tax is charged on a standard $100.00 purchase in Philadelphia based on the combined 2026 tax rate of 8.000%:

Purchase Price:$100.00

Sales Tax (8.000%):+$8.00

Total Cost:$108.00

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Need to Calculate the Pre-Tax Price Instead?

If you have the total receipt or checkout price and need to work backward to find the original item price before tax was added, use our specialized tool.

Reverse Calculator →

📍 ZIP Codes Commonly Associated With Philadelphia, PA

The following ZIP codes are commonly associated with Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Sales tax can depend on the exact address, especially near city or county boundaries, so businesses should verify address-level rates before filing.

19101

19102

19103

19104

19106

19107

19111

19114

19115

19116

19118

19119

19120

19121

19122

19123

19124

19125

19128

19130

19131

19132

19133

19134

19135

19136

19138

19139

19140

19141

19142

19143

19144

19145

19146

19147

19148

19149

19150

19151

19152

19153

19154

Philadelphia Economic & Tax Profile

Philadelphia has an 8.0% combined sales tax rate — Pennsylvania's highest by a wide margin. Only Philadelphia County adds the 2% local surcharge. Clothing is fully exempt from sales tax across all of Pennsylvania, which is a unique benefit not found in most states. Philadelphia's 2% city-county add-on makes it significantly more expensive than the rest of PA for taxable purchases.

Philadelphia is Pennsylvania's economic engine and the largest city in the state by a wide margin. The city has seen significant revitalization over the past two decades with population growth reversing decades of decline. It is a major East Coast hub for healthcare, education, and life sciences.

Key Industries

Healthcare, education (UPenn, Temple, Drexel), biotechnology, legal/financial services, media (Comcast), tourism

Known For

Liberty Bell & Independence Hall, Philadelphia Museum of Art (Rocky Steps), Comcast Center (tallest building in PA), Reading Terminal Market, Cheesesteaks (Pat's, Geno's, Jim's), University of Pennsylvania (Ivy League), Philadelphia Eagles (NFL), Phillies (MLB), Elfreth's Alley (oldest residential street in US)

Local Tax Authority

Philadelphia County (city-county consolidation)

Tourism & Visitor Economy

Very High — world-class historic attractions, museums, performing arts, sports, and one of America's most celebrated food scenes

Special Tax Rules for Philadelphia

Combined rate: 8.0% (state 6% + Philadelphia County 2%)
Philadelphia County adds a unique 2% local sales tax not found anywhere else in PA
Clothing is FULLY EXEMPT from all sales tax in PA
Most groceries are exempt
Philadelphia also has a City Wage Tax (separate from sales tax)

How Philadelphia Compares to Pennsylvania

At 8.0%, Philadelphia has the highest combined sales tax rate in Pennsylvania by far — the only city with a 2% local add-on. The vast majority of PA cities have only the 6% state rate. Philadelphia's economy is more diversified, urban, and globally connected than any other PA city.

Industry-Specific Tax Guidance

Philadelphia's life sciences and healthcare cluster (anchored by UPenn, CHOP, and Jefferson) rivals Boston and San Francisco. Comcast's headquarters make it a rare media industry anchor city.

County-Level Tax Details

Philadelphia County adds Pennsylvania's only 2% local sales tax. This is unique in the state and makes Philadelphia the highest-taxed city in PA.

Philadelphia Sales Tax Rate — Economic Context & Calculation

Economic Context. Philadelphia is Pennsylvania's economic engine and the largest city in the state by a wide margin.

The combined sales tax rate in Philadelphia is 8.000%, composed of the Pennsylvania state rate of 6.000% plus a local portion of 2.000%.

Key industries driving Philadelphia's economy include Healthcare, education (UPenn, Temple, Drexel) — each may have distinct sales tax treatment under Pennsylvania law.

The formula to calculate sales tax for any purchase:

Formula Sales Tax Amount = Taxable Price \times Combined Tax Rate

For a $150.00 purchase in Philadelphia: tax is $12.00 ($150.00 × 0.08000), total is $162.00.

Local Tax Authority & Special Rules in Philadelphia

Sales tax in Philadelphia is administered locally by Philadelphia County (city-county consolidation). At 8.0%, Philadelphia has the highest combined sales tax rate in Pennsylvania by far — the only city with a 2% local add-on.

Special tax rules specific to Philadelphia:

Combined rate: 8.0% (state 6% + Philadelphia County 2%)
Philadelphia County adds a unique 2% local sales tax not found anywhere else in PA
Clothing is FULLY EXEMPT from all sales tax in PA
Most groceries are exempt

Philadelphia-specific: Philadelphia's life sciences and healthcare cluster (anchored by UPenn, CHOP, and Jefferson) rivals Boston and San Francisco.

Taxing Authority	Philadelphia County (city-county consolidation)
State Sourcing Model	Destination Sourcing. Sales tax rate is based on the location where the buyer receives the goods.
Economic Nexus Threshold	$100,000 in gross sales, revenue-only with no transaction test, measured over the previous 12 months.
Filing Frequency	Monthly, Quarterly, or Annually
Standard Due Date	Typically on or before the 20th of the month following the filing period

Philadelphia County adds Pennsylvania's only 2% local sales tax.

Sales Tax vs. Use Tax for Philadelphia Businesses & Consumers

While sales tax is collected by registered vendors at the point of sale, use tax is a self-assessed tax that applies when taxable goods are purchased from a vendor who did not collect sales tax. The rates for both are identical: 8.000%.

If you purchase equipment, software, or supplies from out-of-state merchants and no tax was charged, you are legally obligated to report and pay use tax to Pennsylvania Department of Revenue. Use tax audits are common — failure to accrue on untaxed invoices is a frequent audit finding.

Sales Tax Registration & Permits for Philadelphia Businesses

Businesses with physical presence or economic nexus in Pennsylvania must register with Pennsylvania Department of Revenue before collecting tax.

For full registration, filing, exemption certificate, and audit guidance, see the Pennsylvania sales tax guide.

Resale Certificates & Tax Record-Keeping in Philadelphia

Businesses in Philadelphia must maintain resale certificates and transaction records to comply with Pennsylvania tax audits. If you sell wholesale, obtain a valid resale certificate from the buyer.

For detailed guidance, see the Pennsylvania sales tax page.

Other Cities in Pennsylvania

Need to calculate sales tax for another location in Pennsylvania? Choose a city below to view the exact rate breakdown.

Quick Lookup:Pittsburgh sales tax calculator (or view Pittsburgh sales tax rate)Allentown sales tax calculator (or view Allentown sales tax rate)Altoona sales tax calculator (or view Altoona sales tax rate)

City	County	Combined Rate	Action
Pittsburgh	Allegheny County	7.000%	Use Calculator →
Allentown	Lehigh	6.000%	Use Calculator →
Altoona	Blair	6.000%	Use Calculator →
Bethel Park	Allegheny	7.000%	Use Calculator →
Bethlehem	Northampton	6.000%	Use Calculator →
Chester	Delaware	6.000%	Use Calculator →
Erie	Erie	6.000%	Use Calculator →
Harrisburg	Dauphin	6.000%	Use Calculator →
King Of Prussia	Montgomery	6.000%	Use Calculator →
Lancaster	Lancaster	6.000%	Use Calculator →
Monroeville	Allegheny	7.000%	Use Calculator →
Reading	Berks	6.000%	Use Calculator →
Scranton	Lackawanna	6.000%	Use Calculator →
State College	Centre	6.000%	Use Calculator →
Upper Darby	Delaware	6.000%	Use Calculator →
Wilkes-Barre	Luzerne	6.000%	Use Calculator →
York	York	6.000%	Use Calculator →

For informational purposes only. Tax rates change frequently — verify with your state's Department of Revenue before filing. This tool is not a substitute for professional tax advice.

Last updated: September 11, 2026 · Rate source metadata is tracked in the TaxesLedger tax data registry.

Data methodology reviewed by M. Imtinan Farooq — Data Engineer who builds and maintains TaxesLedger.

Imtinan Farooq is a data engineer who builds and maintains TaxesLedger's calculators and rate database. He is not a CPA, tax attorney, or enrolled agent, so the site doesn't rely on his opinion. Every rate is linked to an official source, such as a state department of revenue, the Canada Revenue Agency, or a national VAT authority. Each record stores that source and its verification status, so the rate can be checked against it. If you spot an error, contact us and we'll correct it. This is an educational calculator, not tax, accounting, or legal advice. LinkedIn

Data Sources: State DORs · Canada Revenue Agency · EU VAT authorities · Tax Foundation references

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers to the most common questions users ask.

What is the sales tax rate in Philadelphia?

The combined sales tax rate in Philadelphia is 8.0%, consisting of Pennsylvania's 6% state rate and Philadelphia County's 2% local add-on.

How much sales tax is charged on a $100 purchase in Philadelphia?

On a $100.00 purchase in Philadelphia, the sales tax is $8.00 ($8.00 = $100.00 × 0.08000), bringing the total to $108.00.

Is clothing taxed in Philadelphia?

No. Pennsylvania fully exempts all clothing from sales tax. This applies statewide, including Philadelphia.

Does any other PA city have an 8% rate?

No. Philadelphia's 8% rate is the highest in Pennsylvania. Only Pittsburgh (7%) and other Allegheny County municipalities add a local tax (1%). The rest of the state is at 6%.

Are groceries taxed in Philadelphia?

Most groceries are exempt from PA sales tax. Prepared foods, candy, and soft drinks are taxable.

Is sales tax higher in Philadelphia or Pittsburgh?

Philadelphia charges the higher combined rate: Pittsburgh is at 7.000% versus Philadelphia's 8.000% — a 1.000 percentage-point difference on every taxable purchase across the line.

What county is Philadelphia located in?

Philadelphia is located in Philadelphia County, which may levy a local tax portion included in the combined rate of 8.000%.

Which ZIP codes are commonly associated with Philadelphia?

ZIP codes commonly associated with Philadelphia include: 19101, 19102, 19103, 19104, 19106, 19107, 19111, 19114, 19115, 19116, 19118, 19119, 19120, 19121, 19122, 19123, 19124, 19125, 19128, 19130, 19131, 19132, 19133, 19134, 19135, 19136, 19138, 19139, 19140, 19141, 19142, 19143, 19144, 19145, 19146, 19147, 19148, 19149, 19150, 19151, 19152, 19153, 19154. ZIP code boundaries can cross municipal lines, so verify the sales tax rate for the exact street address when filing.

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