How Pennsylvania taxes car purchases
- State vehicle tax rate
- 6%
- Trade-in lowers the tax
- Yes
- Tax cap
- None
- Source
- Official source, checked 2026-10-05
These are the rules for a new car bought from a dealer. Used-car and private-sale rules can differ. How we check this data.
Pennsylvania charges 6% at the state level. Local taxes apply in some areas. That rate is higher than 27 states and lower than 16 states. County and city taxes may add to it, so check your local rate and enter the total in the calculator.
What to know in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania's 6% state tax rises to 7% if you live in Allegheny County and 8% if you live in Philadelphia, because those areas add their own local tax. Everywhere else, 6% is the full rate.
The tax is figured on the difference between the new car and your trade-in, so trading in at the dealer lowers it. If you live in Allegheny County or Philadelphia, change the calculator's tax rate to match.
Does Pennsylvania tax your trade-in?
No. Pennsylvania only taxes the difference between the new car's price and your trade-in. On a $35,000 car with a $10,000 trade-in, you'd pay $1,500.00 in state tax instead of $2,100.00, a saving of $600.00. That saving is worth counting when you compare a dealer's trade-in offer with selling the car yourself.
Example: a car loan in Pennsylvania
A $35,000 car with $5,000 down, $1,500 in fees, and a 60-month loan at 6.5% APR ($2,100.00 state tax, rolled into the loan):
- Monthly payment: $657.42
- Amount financed: $33,600
- Total interest: $5,845
- Total cost of the car: $44,445
Change any number in the calculator above to see your own figures.
Rebates and fees
The calculator charges tax on the price before any manufacturer rebate. Ask the dealer how Pennsylvania treats your specific rebate. Title, registration and dealer documentation fees vary, so ask for an itemized out-the-door price and put the fee total in the calculator.
Other states
States with similar vehicle tax rates: