Taxes in Durham, North Carolina
Complete tax guide for Durham, NC. State income tax up to 4.5%, 0.88% property tax, 7.5% sales tax. Calculate your total tax burden.
State Income Tax
4.5%
North Carolina
Property Tax
0.88%
Effective rate
Sales Tax
7.5%
Combined rate
Tax Burden
Moderate
Durham, NC Tax Overview
Duke University; Research Triangle
Population
283,506
Median Income
$60,567
Cost of Living
100.7 (100 = avg)
State Income Tax
4.5%
Median Home Price
$340,000
Durham Tax Calculator
Pre-filled with Durham median: $60,567
Total Tax Burden in Durham
$12,588
Take-Home: $47,979 · Effective Rate: 20.78%
Federal Tax
$5,230
8.63% eff.
NC State
$2,726
4.50% eff.
FICA
$4,633
7.65% eff.
Take-Home
$47,979
79.22% kept
Tax Breakdown
| Item | Annual | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Income | $60,567.00 | $5,047.25 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$5,229.54 | -$435.80 |
| North Carolina State Tax | -$2,725.52 | -$227.13 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$3,755.15 | -$312.93 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$878.22 | -$73.19 |
| Take-Home Pay | $47,978.57 | $3,998.21 |
Property Tax in Durham
Median Home
$340,000
Annual Tax
$2,992
Monthly Tax
$249
Effective Rate
0.88%
Sales Tax in Durham
Combined Rate
7.5%
State Portion
~5.0%
Local Portion
~2.5%
The combined sales tax rate in Durham is 7.5%, which is above the national average of 7.12%. On a $100 purchase, you would pay $7.50 in sales tax.
Tax Burden Comparison
| Tax Type | Durham | North Carolina Avg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Income Tax | 4.5% | 4.5% | 4.6% |
| Property Tax | 0.88% | ~0.88% | 1.1% |
| Sales Tax | 7.5% | ~7.5% | 7.12% |
| Overall Burden | Moderate | — | Moderate |
About Taxes in Durham
Durham has a population of approximately 283,506 residents with a median household income of $60,567. The cost of living index is 100.7 (0.7% higher than the national average of 100).
Local context: Duke University; Research Triangle
Tax burden classification: Moderate. Effective combined tax rate of 29.2% includes federal, state, FICA, property, and sales taxes for a typical Durham household.
Official Tax Resources for North Carolina
For authoritative North Carolina tax forms, filing deadlines, and the latest legislative updates, consult these official government resources:
- North Carolina Department of Revenue — official state revenue agency
- North Carolina Individual Income Tax Forms — current tax year forms and instructions
- IRS Federal Tax Forms and Instructions — federal income tax filing
Tax Saving Tips for Durham Residents
- North Carolina's income tax rate of 4.5% is competitive. You may still benefit from maximizing 401(k) contributions ($23,500 limit) to reduce your taxable income at both state and federal levels.
- Property tax in Durham (0.88%) is below the national average of 1.1%. This makes homeownership more affordable here relative to property tax burden.
- Use a Health Savings Account (HSA) if eligible. Contributions are tax-deductible ($4,400 individual, $8,750 family), growth is tax-free, and withdrawals for medical expenses are tax-free.
Other Cities in North Carolina
Charlotte
ModerateRaleigh
ModerateGreensboro
LowWinston-Salem
LowFayetteville
LowCary
HighWilmington
LowHigh Point
Very LowConcord
ModerateAsheville
ModerateSources & Methodology
Tax rate data on this page is compiled from official government sources and updated for the 2026 tax year. Calculations follow the IRS-published 2026 federal tax brackets, FICA rates (6.2% Social Security up to $176,100 wage base, 1.45% Medicare), and North Carolina state tax provisions. Property tax estimates use Durham's median home value of $340,000and the local effective property tax rate of 0.88%.
- • Federal tax brackets and standard deductions: IRS.gov
- • State income tax rates and brackets: North Carolina Department of Revenue
- • Median household income, home value, and demographics: U.S. Census Bureau ACS
- • Cost of living comparisons: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics CES
- • National average benchmarks: Tax Foundation state-level tax burden studies
Disclaimer: Estimates are for informational purposes only. Actual tax liability depends on filing status, deductions, credits, and individual circumstances. Consult a licensed tax professional or your state revenue agency for binding tax guidance.
Reviewed by LevyIO Tax Research Team · Published 2026-01-15 · Last updated 2026-04-30
Calculate Your Full North Carolina Tax Burden
See detailed state tax brackets, FICA breakdown, and compare to neighboring states.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the tax rates in Durham, NC?
Durham, North Carolina has a state income tax rate up to 4.5%. The property tax rate is 0.88% and the combined sales tax rate is 7.5%. Duke University; Research Triangle
How much is property tax in Durham?
The effective property tax rate in Durham is 0.88%. On the median home price of $340,000, this equals approximately $2,992 per year or $249 per month. This is below the national average of 1.1%.
What is the sales tax rate in Durham?
The combined sales tax rate in Durham is 7.5%, which includes both state and local components. This is above the national average combined rate of approximately 7.12%.
How does Durham's tax burden compare to other cities?
Durham has a moderate overall tax burden. The effective total tax rate for a median-income household is approximately 29.2%. The combination of 4.5% state income tax, 0.88% property tax, and 7.5% sales tax determines the total burden. Cost of living index is 100.7 (100 = national average).
Are there any local taxes in Durham?
Durham does not impose a separate local or city income tax. Residents pay the state income tax of 4.5%, federal income tax, and FICA (Social Security and Medicare). Duke University; Research Triangle