Pennsylvania Vehicle Sales Tax & Fees [+Calculator]

Geoff Cudd

There are plenty of extra costs to factor in when purchasing a car, like insurance, possible maintenance, and, unfortunately, taxes.

Just how much are you going to pay in sales taxes for that new Audi in Pennsylvania? Or even that used Hyundai?

Check out this guide on how to navigate fees and taxes associated with your Pennsylvania vehicle purchase.

How Much Is the Car Sales Tax in Pennsylvania?

The car sales tax in Pennsylvania is 6% of the purchase price or the current market value of the vehicle (according to the PennDOT facts sheet).

For instance, if your new car costs you $25,000, you can expect to pay an additional $1,500 in state sales tax alone.

That’s not including any city or county taxes that could be added on top of that number. The most you can expect to pay in local taxes is an additional 2%, but Pennsylvania's average local sales tax is 0.166%.

How to Calculate Pennsylvania Sales Tax on a Car

Use this simple formula to calculate how much you need to expect to pay in state sales tax on your car.

First, take the purchase price for your vehicle. Then, deduct the value of any trade-ins or rebates you have (note that Pennsylvania does not tax you on rebates).

Once you have that number, multiply it by 6% to get the cost of the state sales tax on your new vehicle.

Calculate Sales Tax in Pennsylvania Example:

• Initial Car Price: $25,000
• Sales Tax Rate: 6%
• Trade-In Amount: $5,000
• Rebate/Incentive Amount: $1,000

Sales Tax = ($25,000 - $5,000 - $1,000) * .06
Sales Tax = $1,140

Pennsylvania Sales Tax Calculator

Do I Have to Pay Sales Tax on a Used Car?

Yes. In Pennsylvania, you will have to pay the same 6% sales tax for both used and new vehicles.

Which City Has the Highest Tax? Which City Has the Lowest?

Along with state taxes that are imposed statewide throughout Pennsylvania, some cities and counties within the state require new owners of a vehicle to pay an additional city or county tax.

The highest city tax is in Philadelphia, the largest city in the state. Philadelphia requires people buying cars to pay an additional 2% sales tax on top of the state’s 6% one, meaning if you register your car in Philadelphia, you will be paying a total of 8% sales tax on that new car.

The lowest city tax is any city outside of Philadelphia or Allegheny county, as those are the only two places in Pennsylvania that charge an additional tax.

Car Sales Tax for Trade-Ins in Pennsylvania

There is no car sales tax charged for trade-ins in the state of Pennsylvania.

For example, if you purchase a car that costs $40,000 and your trade-in is valued at $7,000, you will only pay the 6% sales tax on the $33,000 price tag.

Car Sales Tax on Private Sales in Pennsylvania

The car sales tax on private vehicle sales in the state of Pennsylvania is 6%.

Tax on Rebates & Dealer Incentives

There are no taxes on rebates or dealer incentives in Pennsylvania.

For example, if you are purchasing a car at $40,000 that offers a $2,500 rebate, you will only be taxed on the $37,500 that you actually pay for the car.

Other Taxes & Fees in Pennsylvania

Here are a few of the other fees and taxes that you will have to pay before you can drive that new car off the lot.

PA DMV/State Fees

Every state’s DMV has different fees associated with purchasing a new car. Here are some charges you can expect from the Pennsylvania DMV.

• Passenger Vehicle Registration: $39
• Replacement of Registration Plate: $11
• Title Fee: $58

PA Dealership Fees

Along with state-related fees, dealerships can also charge you a documentation fee. This fee covers the cost of the dealership preparing legal and sales documents for your sale.

The average price for a documentation fee in Pennsylvania is around $130.

This price is determined by the dealership itself and not the state, although some states impose a maximum limit they can charge.

When Sales Tax Is Exempt in Pennsylvania

There are a few reasons that a vehicle may be exempt from sales tax in the state of Pennsylvania.

Among them:

• Transfer as a gift
• Transfer as inheritance
• Transfer from a business operated as a sole proprietorship to the actual owner
• Transfer from spouse to spouse
• Transfer to winner or raffle
• Leasing a vehicle

Pennsylvania EV Rebates & Incentives

Going green and buying an electric or hybrid vehicle in Pennsylvania could save you some money. In addition to the federal rebate, here are some incentives specific to Pennsylvania:

Pennsylvania residents can apply for a rebate within six months of purchasing a new, pre-owned, or demonstration electric vehicle for under $50,000.

If you drive a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, you qualify for a rebate of $1,000.

Rebate recipients will receive $750 for electric vehicles.

Those purchasing a plug-in hybrid vehicle will receive a rebate of $500.

Tax information and rates are subject to change, please be sure to verify with your local DMV. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the sales tax on cars purchased in Pennsylvania?

The sales tax is 6% on all cars purchased in the state of Pennsylvania.

Do I have to pay sales tax on a used car in Pennsylvania?

Yes, those purchasing a used car will need to pay the same 6% sales tax.

Which city in Pennsylvania has the lowest tax?

Any city outside of Philadelphia or Allegheny County does not have an additional city or county tax.

Which city in Pennsylvania has the highest tax?

Philadelphia has the highest tax, with buyers paying an 8% tax on vehicles.

Do I have to pay sales tax on a gifted car in Pennsylvania?

No, recipients of gifted cars do not have to pay sales tax in Pennsylvania.

How much is registration in Pennsylvania?

Passenger vehicle registration costs $39 in Pennsylvania.

Does a trade-in reduce sales tax in Pennsylvania?

Yes. Trading in a car lowers your total out-of-pocket cost, reducing your taxable payment.

How can I avoid paying sales tax in Pennsylvania?

You can avoid paying sales tax in Pennsylvania by being gifted or inheriting your vehicle or transferring it from your sole proprietor business to your own name.