Taxes in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
Complete tax guide for Wilkes-Barre, PA. State income tax up to 3.07%, 1.43% property tax, 7.46% sales tax. Calculate your total tax burden.
State Income Tax
3.07%
Pennsylvania
Property Tax
1.43%
Effective rate
Sales Tax
7.46%
Combined rate
Tax Burden
Moderate
Wilkes-Barre, PA Tax Overview
Population
40,569
Median Income
$65,800
Cost of Living
89.9 (100 = avg)
State Income Tax
3.07%
Local Income Tax
1.62%
Median Home Price
$224,000
Wilkes-Barre Tax Calculator
Pre-filled with Wilkes-Barre median: $65,800
Total Tax Burden in Wilkes-Barre
$14,210
Take-Home: $51,590 · Effective Rate: 21.60%
Federal Tax
$6,090
9.26% eff.
PA State + Local
$3,086
4.69% eff.
FICA
$5,034
7.65% eff.
Take-Home
$51,590
78.40% kept
Tax Breakdown
| Item | Annual | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Income | $65,800.00 | $5,483.33 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$6,090.00 | -$507.50 |
| Pennsylvania State Tax | -$2,020.06 | -$168.34 |
| Wilkes-Barre Local Tax (1.62%) | -$1,065.96 | -$88.83 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$4,079.60 | -$339.97 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$954.10 | -$79.51 |
| Take-Home Pay | $51,590.28 | $4,299.19 |
Property Tax in Wilkes-Barre
Median Home
$224,000
Annual Tax
$3,203
Monthly Tax
$267
Effective Rate
1.43%
Sales Tax in Wilkes-Barre
Combined Rate
7.46%
State Portion
~5.0%
Local Portion
~2.5%
The combined sales tax rate in Wilkes-Barre is 7.46%, which is above the national average of 7.12%. On a $100 purchase, you would pay $7.46 in sales tax.
Tax Burden Comparison
| Tax Type | Wilkes-Barre | Pennsylvania Avg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Income Tax | 3.07% + 1.62% | 3.07% | 4.6% |
| Property Tax | 1.43% | ~1.43% | 1.1% |
| Sales Tax | 7.46% | ~7.46% | 7.12% |
| Overall Burden | Moderate | — | Moderate |
About Taxes in Wilkes-Barre
Wilkes-Barre has a population of approximately 40,569 residents with a median household income of $65,800. The cost of living index is 89.9 (10.1% lower than the national average of 100).
Tax burden classification: Moderate. Effective combined tax rate of 27% includes federal, state, FICA, property, and sales taxes for a typical Wilkes-Barre household.
Official Tax Resources for Pennsylvania
For authoritative Pennsylvania tax forms, filing deadlines, and the latest legislative updates, consult these official government resources:
- Pennsylvania Department of Revenue — official state revenue agency
- Pennsylvania Individual Income Tax Forms — current tax year forms and instructions
- IRS Federal Tax Forms and Instructions — federal income tax filing
Tax Saving Tips for Wilkes-Barre 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.
- Wilkes-Barre has a local income tax of 1.62%. 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 Wilkes-Barre (1.43%) 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 ($4,400 individual, $8,750 family), growth is tax-free, and withdrawals for medical expenses are tax-free.
Other Cities in Pennsylvania
Philadelphia
HighPittsburgh
HighAllentown
ModerateReading
ModerateErie
LowScranton
ModerateBethlehem
ModerateLancaster
ModerateHarrisburg
ModerateYork
LowSources & Methodology
Tax rate data on this page is compiled from official government sources and updated for the 2026 tax year. Calculations follow the IRS-published 2026 federal tax brackets, FICA rates (6.2% Social Security up to $176,100 wage base, 1.45% Medicare), and Pennsylvania state tax provisions. Property tax estimates use Wilkes-Barre's median home value of $224,000and the local effective property tax rate of 1.43%.
- • Federal tax brackets and standard deductions: IRS.gov
- • State income tax rates and brackets: Pennsylvania Department of Revenue
- • Median household income, home value, and demographics: U.S. Census Bureau ACS
- • Cost of living comparisons: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics CES
- • National average benchmarks: Tax Foundation state-level tax burden studies
Disclaimer: Estimates are for informational purposes only. Actual tax liability depends on filing status, deductions, credits, and individual circumstances. Consult a licensed tax professional or your state revenue agency for binding tax guidance.
Reviewed by LevyIO Tax Research Team · Published 2026-01-15 · Last updated 2026-04-30
Calculate 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 Wilkes-Barre, PA?
Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania has a state income tax rate up to 3.07%, plus a local income tax of 1.62%. The property tax rate is 1.43% and the combined sales tax rate is 7.46%.
How much is property tax in Wilkes-Barre?
The effective property tax rate in Wilkes-Barre is 1.43%. On the median home price of $224,000, this equals approximately $3,203 per year or $267 per month. This is above the national average of 1.1%.
What is the sales tax rate in Wilkes-Barre?
The combined sales tax rate in Wilkes-Barre is 7.46%, which includes both state and local components. This is above the national average combined rate of approximately 7.12%.
How does Wilkes-Barre's tax burden compare to other cities?
Wilkes-Barre has a moderate overall tax burden. The effective total tax rate for a median-income household is approximately 27%. The combination of 3.07% state income tax, 1.43% property tax, and 7.46% sales tax determines the total burden. Cost of living index is 89.9 (100 = national average).
Are there any local taxes in Wilkes-Barre?
Yes. Wilkes-Barre imposes a local income tax of 1.62% in addition to the state income tax of 3.07%.