How to File and Pay Sales Tax in Pennsylvania

by Melody Rogers | Nov 21, 2019

Quick Answer: This blog gives instructions on how to file and pay sales tax in Pennsyvlania. Pennsylvania offers a few different types of sales tax returns. In this blog, we will demonstrate how to file and pay sales tax in Pennsylvania with the Sales, Use, and Hotel Occupancy Tax form (PA-3), a return commonly used by out-of-state sellers.

Do You Need to File a Pennsylvania Sales Tax Return?

Once you have an active sales tax permit in Pennsylvania, you will need to begin filing sales tax returns. Not sure if you need a permit in Pennsylvania? No problem. Check out our blog, Do You Need to Get a Sales Tax Permit in Pennsylvania?

Also, If you would rather ask someone else to handle your Pennsylvania filings, our team at TaxValet can handle that for you with our Done-for-You Sales Tax Service. We specialize in eliminating the stress and hassle of sales tax.

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Steps for Filling out Pennsylvania’s Sales Tax Return

Step 1: The first step in filing your Pennsylvania sales tax return is to log into the website at https://www.etides.state.pa.us/ESignature/Account/LogOn.

If you do not have a username and password you need to click on “Register” and then follow the instructions for signing up.

Step 2: After logging in, you should see a screen similar to the one below. On the left side of the screen, you should select “File Return/Payment.”

Step 3: Chose the drop-down menu called, “Select Tax System” and choose the tax system you want to file. Then click “Next.” For this blog, we will select “Sales, Use, and Hotel Occupancy Tax.”

Step 4: Select the appropriate enterprise with the drop-down menu titled “Select Enterprise.” After that, you have a few other menu options. First, you need to select the appropriate filing period. Then, you should select your payment method. Once complete, click “Continue.”

Step 5: Now you get to enter your sales information! You will enter your gross sales, net taxable sales, use tax due, etc. Once entered, click “Calculate.” Now that everything has been calculated, you can press “Continue.”

Step 6: It is now time to review your information. If everything looks correct, click “Submit.” If it does not look correct, make sure to choose “Edit” and make the necessary corrections.

Hooray! You now know how to file a sales tax return in Pennsylvania! Don’t forget to save a copy of the return for your records.

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How to Pay Pennsylvania Sales Tax

Step 1: To get started, select the payment type you would like to use to pay your sales tax.

Step 2: enter the amount of payment and your bank information. If you have filed and paid a return with Pennsylvania before, your bank account information may already be saved.

That is it! You made your sales tax payment!

Always make sure to save or print the submission confirmation.

Things to Consider After Filing a Sales Tax Return in Pennsylvania

If you forgot to print or save a copy of your sales tax return, you still can!

On the left-hand side of the screen click “View Filing History.” It will once again ask you to select the “Tax System” to get started. After you select your company, you will come to a screen where you can view the different returns. Simply select the return or payment you want to view or print. Voila!

How to Get Help Filing a Pennsylvania Sales Tax Return

If you are stuck or have questions, you can contact the state of Pennsylvania directly at (717) 783-6277 for questions related to electronic filing and remittance. You can also contact the Department of Revenue by email at www.revenue.pa.gov.

But if instead, you are looking for a team of experts to handle your sales tax returns for you each month, you should check out our Done-for-You Sales Tax Service. Feel free to contact us if you’re interested in becoming a client!

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Disclaimer: Nothing on this page should be considered tax or legal advice. Information provided on this page is general in nature and is provided without warranty.