State Tax Exemption and W-9

The University of Pittsburgh, as an educational institution, is exempt from state sales tax. When paying for goods and services, utilize the following documents to notify the supplier of The University’s tax-exempt status to ensure you do not pay sales tax. Note: Payment of hotel/motel taxes is still required.

The PA State Tax Exemption number is also printed on the front of OneCards

By presenting your OneCard, which has the University’s Sales Tax Exemption number on the front of the card, you do not need to bring the state exemption paper while traveling. Although, you may find it helpful to have this site bookmarked on your phone to show the merchant if they want to view their state’s certificate tax exemption.

If you are using your own personal credit card while making a purchase, the merchant may not accept our state sales tax exemption form because the payment is not being made by the University of Pittsburgh, but by an individual. It is always recommended to use your OneCard, Pitt's preferred payment method, to ensure state sales tax exemption when applicable.

University's Federal IRS Tax Exempt Status 501(c)(3) Determination Letter

The University of Pittsburgh is classified as tax-exempt under the Internal Revenue Code section 501 (c)(3). This determination letter confirms the University's federal tax-exempt status.

University's Pennsylvania Sales Tax Exemption Certification

Use this certificate to verify the University's tax-exempt status (in Pennsylvania) as a Nonprofit Educational Institution.

University's W-9 Use this certificate to confirm the University’s Tax Identification Number (TIN).

Exemptions from Other States

The university is exempt from state sales tax in the states listed below. When making purchases in these states, you should have a copy (digital or physical) of the state’s sales tax exemption certificate for the state in which you are making the purchase. You can find and save the applicable exemption form below:

Why Does Sales Tax Matter? 

 

For the research community

State sales tax paid to states in which the university does not have an exemption may be charged to a research grant. However, sales tax paid in a state in which the University is exempt is an unallowable expense on a research grant, and therefore, must be charged to a departmental 02 account

For the University community, in general

There are significant cost savings in avoiding paying state sales tax. With $1.2B in non-compensation expenses each year and the average U.S. sales tax rate at 6.35%, University buyers and cardholders have the potential to save the University millions per year by not paying sales tax.

States with Refunds Available after Purchase:

 

North Carolina

States with No Exemption Permitted

  • Alabama
  • Arizona
  • California
  • Delaware
  • Georgia
  • Hawaii
  • Iowa
  • Louisiana
  • Montana
  • Nebraska
  • Nevada
  • New Hampshire New Mexico
  • Oklahoma
  • South Carolina
  • South Dakota
  • Washington