Pennsylvania Car Sales Tax Calculator (2026)

• Pennsylvania deducts a trade-in from the taxable price only when the trade-in happens at the same time as the sale; selling a car separately and applying the money does not count.
• The Pennsylvania tax base includes delivery and freight charges, warranty or service charges, and dealer-added accessories even when they are separately stated.
• Allegheny County adds 1% and Philadelphia adds 2% on top of the 6% state sales tax.

Sales and use tax

6%

Local tax

0% to 2%

Trade-in

Full credit: reduces the taxable price

Manufacturer rebate

Not taxed: the rebate lowers the taxable price

Figured with Pennsylvania's rules for a buyer in Philadelphia, at its 2% local rate.

• Used car, no trade-in$1,440

  $18,000 price. Taxed on $18,000.

• New car with a trade-in$2,000

  $35,000 price, $10,000 trade-in. Taxed on $25,000. The trade-in saves $800.

• New car with a trade-in and a rebate$2,240

  $45,000 price, $15,000 trade-in, $2,000 rebate. Taxed on $28,000. The trade-in saves $1,200. The rebate saves $160.

These examples treat the agreed price as the taxable price. Where a state uses a book value instead, the tax can differ.

On a $30,000 car, tax runs from $1,800 in Allentown to $2,400 in Philadelphia, a difference of $600 among the 6 cities we list.

Before trade-in, for a buyer living in each city. In some states the rate follows the dealer's location instead; see the rules above and our methodology. Rates from pa.gov, checked Nov 6, 2026.

The calculator covers a car bought from a dealer. These rules apply to other ways of buying or bringing a car to Pennsylvania.

Buying from a private seller

A car bought from a private seller is taxed at 6% (7% in Allegheny County, 8% in Philadelphia) of the purchase price. If the price is less than 80% of the average fair market value in an approved guide, Form MV-3 must explain why, and if the price cannot be verified the Department of Revenue assesses tax on fair market value. (pa.gov, checked Nov 10, 2026)

A car received as a gift

A car received as a true gift, with nothing of value given in return, is exempt from Pennsylvania sales tax when both parties sign Form MV-13ST, Affidavit of Gift. A car the donor bought out of state needs proof that sales tax was paid in a reciprocal state, or tax is due on its current fair market value. (pa.gov, checked Nov 10, 2026)

Moving to Pennsylvania with your car

A new resident with a valid out-of-state title who has owned the car for at least six months pays no Pennsylvania sales tax when titling it. If owned less than six months, the owner must show proof of sales tax paid or pay Pennsylvania tax, less any credit for tax paid in a reciprocal state. (pa.gov, checked Nov 10, 2026)

Buying outside Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania credits sales tax paid to another state on a vehicle only if that state gives a similar credit for Pennsylvania tax. The reciprocal states are listed on the Department of Revenue's REV-227 chart. (pa.gov, checked Nov 10, 2026)

Active-duty military

The six-month new resident exemption does not apply to service members whose home of record was Pennsylvania when they bought the car. They pay 6% (7% Allegheny County, 8% Philadelphia) of the purchase price or of the fair market value when the car first enters Pennsylvania, less credit for tax paid in a reciprocal state. (pa.gov, checked Nov 10, 2026)

Deadline to pay

The buyer must apply for a new Pennsylvania title within 20 days of the title being assigned, and a dealer selling a car must forward the title and forms to PennDOT within 20 days of the transfer. Sales tax is paid with the title application. (legis.state.pa.us, checked Nov 10, 2026)

Pennsylvania is tied for 24th lowest of all 50 states and the District of Columbia for tax on a $30,000 car, at its lowest local rate. See all states.

Tax on a $30,000 car before trade-in, in nearby states. You generally pay tax based on where you register the car.

• Delaware$1,575
• Pennsylvania$1,800 – $2,400
• West Virginia$1,800
• Maryland$1,950
• Ohio$1,950 – $2,475
• New Jersey$1,988
• New York$2,100 – $2,663

• All car calculators
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• Pennsylvania out-the-door price
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• Delaware car sales tax
• Maryland car sales tax
• New Jersey car sales tax
• New York car sales tax
• Ohio car sales tax
• West Virginia car sales tax