Taxes in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Complete tax guide for Bethlehem, PA. State income tax up to 3.07%, 1.68% property tax, 6% sales tax. Calculate your total tax burden.
State Income Tax
3.07%
Pennsylvania
Property Tax
1.68%
Effective rate
Sales Tax
6%
Combined rate
Tax Burden
Moderate
Bethlehem, PA Tax Overview
Bethlehem earned income tax of 1.7%
Population
75,781
Median Income
$47,612
Cost of Living
91.3 (100 = avg)
State Income Tax
3.07%
Local Income Tax
1.7%
Median Home Price
$195,000
Bethlehem Tax Calculator
Pre-filled with Bethlehem median: $47,612
Total Tax Burden in Bethlehem
$9,588
Take-Home: $38,024 · Effective Rate: 20.14%
Federal Tax
$3,675
7.72% eff.
PA State + Local
$2,271
4.77% eff.
FICA
$3,642
7.65% eff.
Take-Home
$38,024
79.86% kept
Tax Breakdown
| Item | Annual | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Income | $47,612.00 | $3,967.67 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$3,674.94 | -$306.25 |
| Pennsylvania State Tax | -$1,461.69 | -$121.81 |
| Bethlehem Local Tax (1.7%) | -$809.40 | -$67.45 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$2,951.94 | -$246.00 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$690.37 | -$57.53 |
| Take-Home Pay | $38,023.65 | $3,168.64 |
Property Tax in Bethlehem
Median Home
$195,000
Annual Tax
$3,276
Monthly Tax
$273
Effective Rate
1.68%
Sales Tax in Bethlehem
Combined Rate
6%
State Portion
~3.5%
Local Portion
~2.5%
The combined sales tax rate in Bethlehem is 6%, which is below the national average of 7.12%. On a $100 purchase, you would pay $6.00 in sales tax.
Tax Burden Comparison
| Tax Type | Bethlehem | Pennsylvania Avg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Income Tax | 3.07% + 1.7% | 3.07% | 4.6% |
| Property Tax | 1.68% | ~1.68% | 1.1% |
| Sales Tax | 6% | ~6% | 7.12% |
| Overall Burden | Moderate | — | Moderate |
Tax Saving Tips for Bethlehem Residents
- Pennsylvania's income tax rate of 3.07% is competitive. You may still benefit from maximizing 401(k) contributions ($23,500 limit) to reduce your taxable income at both state and federal levels.
- Bethlehem has a local income tax of 1.7%. If you work remotely, verify whether you owe city tax based on where you work or where you live. Some cities only tax people who work within city limits.
- Property tax in Bethlehem (1.68%) is above the national average. Check if you qualify for homestead exemptions or assessment appeals to reduce your property tax bill.
- Use a Health Savings Account (HSA) if eligible. Contributions are tax-deductible ($4,300 individual, $8,550 family), growth is tax-free, and withdrawals for medical expenses are tax-free.
Other Cities in Pennsylvania
Philadelphia
HighPittsburgh
HighAllentown
ModerateReading
ModerateErie
LowScranton
ModerateLancaster
ModerateHarrisburg
ModerateYork
LowCalculate Your Full Pennsylvania Tax Burden
See detailed state tax brackets, FICA breakdown, and compare to neighboring states.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the tax rates in Bethlehem, PA?
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania has a state income tax rate up to 3.07%, plus a local income tax of 1.7%. The property tax rate is 1.68% and the combined sales tax rate is 6%. Bethlehem earned income tax of 1.7%
How much is property tax in Bethlehem?
The effective property tax rate in Bethlehem is 1.68%. On the median home price of $195,000, this equals approximately $3,276 per year or $273 per month. This is above the national average of 1.1%.
What is the sales tax rate in Bethlehem?
The combined sales tax rate in Bethlehem is 6%, which includes both state and local components. This is below the national average combined rate of approximately 7.12%.
How does Bethlehem's tax burden compare to other cities?
Bethlehem has a moderate overall tax burden. The effective total tax rate for a median-income household is approximately 29.3%. The combination of 3.07% state income tax, 1.68% property tax, and 6% sales tax determines the total burden. Cost of living index is 91.3 (100 = national average).
Are there any local taxes in Bethlehem?
Yes. Bethlehem imposes a local income tax of 1.7% in addition to the state income tax of 3.07%. Bethlehem earned income tax of 1.7%