Taxes in Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Complete tax guide for Winston-Salem, NC. State income tax up to 4.5%, 0.8% property tax, 7% sales tax. Calculate your total tax burden.
State Income Tax
4.5%
North Carolina
Property Tax
0.8%
Effective rate
Sales Tax
7%
Combined rate
Tax Burden
Low
Winston-Salem, NC Tax Overview
Population
249,545
Median Income
$46,815
Cost of Living
86.8 (100 = avg)
State Income Tax
4.5%
Median Home Price
$195,000
Winston-Salem Tax Calculator
Pre-filled with Winston-Salem median: $46,815
Total Tax Burden in Winston-Salem
$9,267
Take-Home: $37,548 · Effective Rate: 19.80%
Federal Tax
$3,579
7.65% eff.
NC State
$2,107
4.50% eff.
FICA
$3,581
7.65% eff.
Take-Home
$37,548
80.20% kept
Tax Breakdown
| Item | Annual | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Income | $46,815.00 | $3,901.25 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$3,579.30 | -$298.28 |
| North Carolina State Tax | -$2,106.67 | -$175.56 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$2,902.53 | -$241.88 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$678.82 | -$56.57 |
| Take-Home Pay | $37,547.68 | $3,128.97 |
Property Tax in Winston-Salem
Median Home
$195,000
Annual Tax
$1,560
Monthly Tax
$130
Effective Rate
0.8%
Sales Tax in Winston-Salem
Combined Rate
7%
State Portion
~4.5%
Local Portion
~2.5%
The combined sales tax rate in Winston-Salem is 7%, which is below the national average of 7.12%. On a $100 purchase, you would pay $7.00 in sales tax.
Tax Burden Comparison
| Tax Type | Winston-Salem | North Carolina Avg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Income Tax | 4.5% | 4.5% | 4.6% |
| Property Tax | 0.8% | ~0.8% | 1.1% |
| Sales Tax | 7% | ~7% | 7.12% |
| Overall Burden | Low | — | Moderate |
Tax Saving Tips for Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem (0.8%) 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 ($4,300 individual, $8,550 family), growth is tax-free, and withdrawals for medical expenses are tax-free.
Other Cities in North Carolina
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ModerateCalculate 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 Winston-Salem, NC?
Winston-Salem, North Carolina has a state income tax rate up to 4.5%. The property tax rate is 0.8% and the combined sales tax rate is 7%.
How much is property tax in Winston-Salem?
The effective property tax rate in Winston-Salem is 0.8%. On the median home price of $195,000, this equals approximately $1,560 per year or $130 per month. This is below the national average of 1.1%.
What is the sales tax rate in Winston-Salem?
The combined sales tax rate in Winston-Salem is 7%, which includes both state and local components. This is below the national average combined rate of approximately 7.12%.
How does Winston-Salem's tax burden compare to other cities?
Winston-Salem has a low overall tax burden. The effective total tax rate for a median-income household is approximately 25.4%. The combination of 4.5% state income tax, 0.8% property tax, and 7% sales tax determines the total burden. Cost of living index is 86.8 (100 = national average).
Are there any local taxes in Winston-Salem?
Winston-Salem 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).