North Carolina Income Tax Calculator
Calculate your total tax burden in North Carolina. See NC state income tax (4.5% top rate), federal tax, and FICA combined. Free, instant, private.
North Carolina Income Tax Calculator
Pre-filled with North Carolina median: $64,350
Your Total Tax Burden
$13,016
Take-Home: $51,334 · Effective Rate: 20.2%
Federal Tax
$5,771
9.0% eff.
NC State Tax
$2,322
3.6% eff.
FICA
$4,923
7.6% eff.
Take-Home
$51,334
79.8% kept
Tax Breakdown
North Carolina Tax Bracket Breakdown
| Item | Annual | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Income | $64,350.00 | $5,362.50 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$5,771.00 | -$480.92 |
| North Carolina State Tax | -$2,322.00 | -$193.50 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$3,989.70 | -$332.47 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$933.08 | -$77.76 |
| Take-Home Pay | $51,334.23 | $4,277.85 |
Marginal Tax Rate
4.5%
NC state only
Effective Tax Rate
20.2%
All taxes combined
North Carolina Tax System Overview
North Carolina has a flat 4.5% rate, reduced from 5.25% in 2021, with plans to continue lowering. Social Security is fully exempt. Own standard deduction of $12,750 (single). Property taxes moderate at 0.80%.
Top Income Tax
4.5%
Property Tax
0.8%
Sales Tax (Avg)
6.98%
Median Income
$64,350
Other Taxes in North Carolina
Capital Gains Tax
Taxed as regular income at 4.5%
Property Tax
Average effective rate of 0.8%. On a $300,000 home, this equals approximately $2,400 per year, or $200 per month.
Sales Tax
State rate of 4.75%, with a combined average of 6.98% including local taxes.
Filing Tips for North Carolina
Social Security fully exempt. NC does not allow itemized deductions — only the standard deduction. The declining flat rate makes NC increasingly competitive. Compare to no-income-tax Tennessee.
- Maximize pre-tax contributions to 401(k) ($23,500 limit in 2026, $31,000 if 50+) to reduce both federal and NC state taxable income.
- Use an HSA if you have a high-deductible health plan. Contributions ($4,300 individual, $8,550 family) are pre-tax and reduce your tax burden.
- Review your W-4. If you regularly get large refunds, adjust your withholding to keep more money in each paycheck throughout the year.
Compare North Carolina to Nearby States
If you lived in a neighboring state instead, here is how your state tax would change on $64,350 income:
| State | Top Rate | State Tax | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | 4.5% | $2,322 | — |
| Virginia | 5.75% | $2,983 | +$661 |
| Tennessee | None | $0 | Save $2,322 |
| Georgia | 5.49% | $2,874 | +$552 |
| South Carolina | 6.4% | $2,491 | +$169 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income tax rate in North Carolina?
North Carolina has a flat income tax rate of 4.5%. This means all taxable income is taxed at the same rate regardless of how much you earn. Flat 4.5% (reduced from 5.25%). Own standard deduction ($12,750/$25,500). Social Security exempt. Rate phasing down.
How much state tax will I pay in North Carolina on $64,350?
On income of $64,350 filing single in North Carolina, you would pay approximately $2,322 in state income tax (effective rate of 3.6%). This is after the state standard deduction of $12,750.
Does North Carolina tax capital gains?
Taxed as regular income at 4.5%. Capital gains treatment varies by state — some tax them as regular income while others offer exclusions or preferential rates.
How does North Carolina compare to neighboring states for taxes?
North Carolina's neighboring states include Virginia (5.75% top rate), Tennessee (no income tax), Georgia (5.49% top rate). Property tax rates, sales taxes, and cost of living should also be considered when comparing overall tax burden. Use the calculator above to compare your specific tax liability across states.