Pennsylvania car tax
Pennsylvania has no yearly car tax. Owners pay a flat registration fee. A car purchase is taxed at 6% statewide, 7% in Allegheny County, and 8% in Philadelphia.
No yearly car tax; only registration fees.
Buying a car in Pennsylvania: one-time tax
Pennsylvania sales/use tax on motor vehicles — 6%, plus local sales tax where you live. Your trade-in is subtracted before tax.
Allegheny County adds 1% and Philadelphia adds 2%, based on where you live.
Registration and due dates
Passenger car registration is about $45 a year. A title costs about $67.
No yearly car tax. Registration renews every year (two-year option available).
Cut what your car costs in Pennsylvania
Car tax is set by your town, but your loan and insurance aren't. Refinancing a car loan at a lower rate often saves more each year than the tax itself.
Questions
Does Pennsylvania tax cars every year?
No. Only the yearly registration fee applies.
What sales tax applies to a car in Philadelphia?
8%: the 6% state rate plus 2% Philadelphia local tax.
Can I deduct Pennsylvania car taxes on my federal return?
Generally no. Pennsylvania has no yearly value-based car tax, and flat registration fees cannot be deducted as personal property tax. Sales tax on the purchase can be deducted instead of income tax if you itemize.
Sources
Last checked October 14, 2026. Rates are for passenger cars owned by individuals; leased, business and specialty vehicles can differ. Confirm with your tax collector or commissioner of the revenue.