Registering for PA Local Tax

When operating a business with worksites in Pennsylvania, employers are required to withhold and remit local Earned Income Tax (EIT) and Local Services Tax (LST) on behalf of their employees. These taxes are collected by designated tax collectors assigned to specific Tax Collection Districts (TCDs).

To determine the designated tax collector for a specific municipality, you can use the Municipal Statistics tool provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.

Below is some guidance to ensure that you remain compliant while operating with Tax Collection Districts in Pennsylvania:

Quick Links:

Keystone Collections Group

Lower Merion

Allen Township

City of Philly

Berkheimer

 

When to Register:

You should register with your designated tax collectors if:​

  • Your business has a physical worksite located in Pennsylvania. This includes offices, warehouses, or any location where employees perform work.​

  • You employ remote workers who reside in a municipality within Pennsylvania. Even if your business doesn't have a physical location in that area, employing residents there may necessitate registration.​

  • Registration should occur promptly upon commencing business operations or hiring employees within Pennsylvania.

How to Register:

Keystone Collections Group

Keystone offers a streamlined process for employer registration:

  1. Business Portal: Register through Keystone’s Business Portal, which allows you to:

    • Report and file payroll taxes online.​

    • Schedule electronic payments or print payment vouchers if paying by check.​

    • Access forms and resources related to payroll withholding.​

 

Lower Merion

Note: Lower Merion Township does not impose an Earned Income Tax (EIT).

  1. Complete the Application for License: This form establishes your business account for all township taxes, including the LST, Application for License

    •  

      Authorized Signatory: The application must be completed and signed by an employee or authorized representative of your business. Third-party submissions, such as those from payroll services, are not accepted.​
  2. Submit the Application:

    • Email: Send the completed form to businesslicense@lowermerion.org.​

    • Await Confirmation: Upon processing, the township will provide you with a tax account number and further instructions for compliance.​

 

Allen Township

  1. Complete the LST Registration Form. This form requires details such as:
    • Business name and physical address (P.O. Boxes are not accepted)
    • Payroll contact information
    • Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN)
    • Number of employees working in Allen Township
  2. Submit the Form
    • Mail the completed form to:​
      • Allen Township Tax Office
      • 4714 Indian Trail Road
      • Northampton,
      • PA 18067
  3. Acknowledgment/Confirmation (optional)

    • In some cases, the township may send a confirmation letter or email acknowledging your registration.

    • If nothing is received within 2–3 weeks, you can call the Township at 610-262-7012 to confirm they received and processed your form.

  4. No Automatic Online Account

    • Allen Township doesn't currently offer an automated online portal. All communication is typically handled via mail or phone unless they partner with a third-party collector in the future

City of Philly

  1. Get a Philadelphia Tax Account Number

    • Go to the Philadelphia Tax Center.

    • Click “Register a new taxpayer”.

    • Follow the prompts to set up your Philadelphia Tax Identification Number (PHTIN).

    • This number is necessary for

      • Paying City taxes, including the Wage Tax.

      • Obtaining a Commercial Activity License (CAL), which is required to conduct business in Philadelphia.

  2. Apply for a Commercial Activity License (CAL)

    • Visit eCLIPSE.

    • Create an account and apply for a Commercial Activity License (CAL) — it's free.

    • You’ll need your PHTIN from Step 1 to apply.

 

Berkheimer

  1. Access the Employer Registration Portal
  2. Provide Your Business Information
  3. Select Tax Types
    • Choose the taxes applicable to your business: (Use the PA Municipal Statistics Tool)​
      • Earned Income Tax (EIT)
      • Local Services Tax (LST)
    • Ensure you select the appropriate filing frequency (monthly or quarterly) based on your payroll schedule.
  4. Submit the Registration
    • ​After completing the form, submit it online. You'll receive your Berkheimer Account Number immediately upon successful registration.

 

PSD Code Lookup Tools

1. Pennsylvania Municipal Statistics Address Search

  • Website: https://munstats.pa.gov/public/findlocaltax.aspx

  • Instructions:

    • Enter your street address, city, and ZIP code.

    • The tool will display your Resident PSD Code and Employer PSD Code, along with the applicable Earned Income Tax (EIT) rates.

 

If you encounter any issues or have questions during the registration process, we recommend consulting your Certified Public Accountant (CPA) for guidance. Alternatively, you can reach out to us for assistance. Please note that a separate fee may apply for any support provided.

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