Can I register my car in another town even if my official residence is Philly? (Philadelphia: sales)

[lexingtonjacob]

Hi guys, new to the forum so please forgive if i violate any rules. So here's the situation. I work in Berwyn and basically live there 4 days of the week with a coworker. For Fri-Sun, i go to my official residence in northeast philly. So when i register my new car, do i have to register it in philly (8% tax) or can i register it in Berwyn, where i think it's lower? Please help. Thank you

[kyb01]

Originally Posted by lexingtonjacob

Hi guys, new to the forum so please forgive if i violate any rules. So here's the situation. I work in Berwyn and basically live there 4 days of the week with a coworker. For Fri-Sun, i go to my official residence in northeast philly. So when i register my new car, do i have to register it in philly (8% tax) or can i register it in Berwyn, where i think it's lower? Please help. Thank you

Unless something has changed the PA sales tax has nothing to do with PA car registration fees. I.e. the car registration fee is a $36. but that does depend on what kind of vehicle you have.

What you may be thinking of is how registering your car in the city vs the 'burbs will affect your insurance rates.

[lexingtonjacob]

Thank you. The reason I brought up this question was because I was talking to a car dealership about buying a new car and told him I'd register the car in PA. He then asked if philly or not, since philly has higher sales tax. So it threw me off for a second since I didn't think which town you lived in mattered.

[Burger Fan]

Originally Posted by lexingtonjacob

Thank you. The reason I brought up this question was because I was talking to a car dealership about buying a new car and told him I'd register the car in PA. He then asked if philly or not, since philly has higher sales tax. So it threw me off for a second since I didn't think which town you lived in mattered.

IIRC you'll be hit with the sales tax of your place of residence. Philadelphia (and Pittsburgh) have higher sales tax than the rest of the state. If you live outside of the city it's 6% of the purchase price. If you live within the city you'll be hit with 8%.


So yes, what town you live in matters there. No, I don't know if registering the car at a place you do not actually live will get around it, but I don't recommend it.

[JacksonPanther]

What documented proof do you have that you live in Berwyn? Utility bill in your name? Lease? Address on your driver's license? Anything?

[james777]

You register your car at the address on your driver's license. The address on your driver's license is where you live and file your income taxes, or should be; if it is not, change it.