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.
The state of North Carolina uses a flat 4.5% state income tax on all taxable income in 2026. State standard deduction: $12,750 single / $25,500 married. Plus federal income tax (10%-37% across 7 brackets) and FICA (Social Security 6.2%, Medicare 1.45%). Property tax averages 0.8% and sales tax averages 6.98%. Flat 4.5% (reduced from 5.25%). Own standard deduction ($12,750/$25,500). Social Security exempt. Rate phasing down.
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 ($4,400 individual, $8,750 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.
What is the North Carolina state income tax filing deadline for 2026?
North Carolina state income tax returns are due April 15, 2026 (matching the federal deadline). If April 15 falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline shifts to the next business day. Extensions: North Carolina typically grants automatic 6-month extensions to October 15, 2026, but tax owed must still be paid by April 15 to avoid penalties.
Does North Carolina tax retirement income, Social Security, and pensions?
North Carolina taxes retirement income with state-specific exclusions. Social Security: only 11 states tax SS benefits in 2026 (CO, CT, KS, MN, MT, NM, RI, UT, VT, WV, MO partially); North Carolina's treatment varies. Pensions and 401(k)/IRA withdrawals are generally taxable as ordinary income at 4.5% top rate, with possible exclusions for federal/military pensions or low-income seniors. Check North Carolina's 2026 retirement income exclusion thresholds.
What deductions and credits are unique to North Carolina in 2026?
North Carolina offers standard deduction of $12,750 (single) / $25,500 (married). Additional state-specific items typically include: North Carolina-specific tax credits (e.g., property tax credit, education credit, EITC supplement if available), retirement income exclusions, and state-conformity to federal deductions like SALT cap, mortgage interest, charitable contributions. Check North Carolina's state tax form for the full list of state-specific credits in 2026.
If I work remotely in North Carolina for an out-of-state employer, what tax do I pay?
As a North Carolina resident working remotely for an out-of-state employer, the rules depend on reciprocity agreements. Reciprocity-pair states (PA-NJ, IL-IA, MI-OH, etc.) let you pay tax only to North Carolina. Without reciprocity, you may pay tax to BOTH states, then claim a credit on North Carolina's return for taxes paid to the work state. NY, PA-Philadelphia, and other "convenience of employer" jurisdictions can override these rules. Verify your employer's state tax setup.