Pennsylvania General Bill of Sale Overview
Pennsylvania charges a 6% state sales tax on tangible personal property. Allegheny County (Pittsburgh) adds 1%, and Philadelphia adds 2%, bringing the total to 7% or 8% in those metro areas. All other areas charge the flat 6%. Pennsylvania exempts most clothing, food, and some other necessities.
Pennsylvania follows the UCC (Title 13) for personal property sales. A bill of sale is a recognized legal document for personal property transfers. Pennsylvania\'s large and diverse economy creates an active secondary market across the Commonwealth.
6%
State sales tax
No
Notarization required
$500
UCC writing threshold
Pennsylvania Requirements for Personal Property Sales
A Pennsylvania bill of sale should include both parties\' names and addresses, a thorough property description, the sale price and payment method, the date, condition and warranty terms, and signatures.
Important: Document Everything
For any personal property sale over $500 in Pennsylvania, a written bill of sale is essential under the UCC Statute of Frauds. Without written documentation, the agreement may not be enforceable in court. Always create a bill of sale for items of significant value.
What to Include in Your Pennsylvania Bill of Sale
- Party Information: Full legal names and addresses of both buyer and seller
- Property Description: Detailed description including brand, model, serial number, color, and distinguishing features
- Sale Price: Amount in both numbers and words, plus the payment method
- Condition Statement: Current condition, known defects, and as-is or warranty terms
- Ownership Warranty: Seller confirms legal ownership and right to sell
- Date and Signatures: Date of sale with signatures from both buyer and seller
How to Fill Out a Pennsylvania General Bill of Sale
Follow these steps to complete your Pennsylvania general bill of sale properly and ensure it meets all state requirements for a legally sound document.
Enter Seller Information
Include the seller's full legal name and current Pennsylvania mailing address. If the seller is a business, include the business name, entity type, and the name of the authorized representative. Add phone number and email for follow-up communication.
Enter Buyer Information
Include the buyer's full legal name and current address. The buyer's location in Pennsylvania may affect the applicable use tax rate for the transaction. Include contact information for both parties.
Describe the Property
Provide a thorough description of the item: brand, model, serial number, color, size, and any distinguishing features. The description should be specific enough to uniquely identify the item. Attach photographs if possible for additional documentation.
State the Sale Price
Enter the agreed purchase price in both numbers and words. Note the payment method — cash, check, electronic transfer, or other. If the item is a gift, write "$0 — Gift." The stated price determines any use tax obligation for the buyer under Pennsylvania law.
Sign and Date
Both the buyer and seller must sign and date the bill of sale. Print two copies — one for each party. Notarization is not required for general personal property bills of sale in Pennsylvania. Notary services are widely available throughout the Commonwealth. For items of significant value, notarization provides an added layer of legal protection.
Pennsylvania Sales Tax & Use Tax on Personal Property
Pennsylvania\'s use tax applies at the applicable rate (6%, 7%, or 8%) on purchases where sales tax was not collected. Buyers report use tax on the Pennsylvania income tax return (Form PA-40). Pennsylvania has been enhancing use tax compliance efforts.
| Tax / Detail | Rate / Information |
|---|---|
| State Sales Tax | 6% |
| Local Taxes | Varies by jurisdiction |
| Use Tax | Same rate as sales tax — applies to private purchases |
| Notarization | No for general personal property |
| UCC Writing Requirement | Sales of $500+ must be in writing to be enforceable |
Sample Pennsylvania General Bill of Sale
Below is a preview of our Pennsylvania-specific general bill of sale template. Your customized document will include all fields appropriate for Pennsylvania personal property transactions.
STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA
GENERAL BILL OF SALE
Personal Property Transfer Document
SELLER:
Name: [Seller Name]
Address: [Pennsylvania Address]
BUYER:
Name: [Buyer Name]
Address: [Pennsylvania Address]
PROPERTY DESCRIPTION
Item: [Detailed Description]
Serial No.: [If applicable]
Condition: [New / Used / As-Is]
Sale Price: $[Amount]
Pennsylvania General Bill of Sale FAQ
Answers to common questions about Pennsylvania general bills of sale and personal property transactions.
Official Pennsylvania Resources
Use these official resources to verify tax requirements and consumer protection laws for personal property transactions in Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania DOR — Sales & Use Tax
Tax rates, exemptions, and filing
Pennsylvania Department of Revenue
General tax information and resources
UCC Article 2 — Sale of Goods
Uniform Commercial Code governing personal property sales
FTC — Warranty Laws & As-Is Sales
Understanding as-is clauses and warranty protections
Other Pennsylvania Bill of Sale Templates
Need a different type of bill of sale for Pennsylvania? We offer state-specific templates for every type of property transfer.
Pennsylvania Vehicle Bill of Sale
Cars, trucks, SUVs, and vans
Pennsylvania Boat Bill of Sale
Boats, jet skis, and watercraft
Pennsylvania Motorcycle Bill of Sale
Motorcycles, scooters, and mopeds
Pennsylvania Trailer Bill of Sale
Utility, travel, and cargo trailers
Pennsylvania Firearm Bill of Sale
Handguns, rifles, and shotguns
Pennsylvania ATV Bill of Sale
ATVs, UTVs, and off-road vehicles
Pennsylvania Horse Bill of Sale
Horses, cattle, and livestock
Pennsylvania Mobile Home Bill of Sale
Manufactured and mobile homes
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