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 |
About Taxes in Winston-Salem
Winston-Salem has a population of approximately 249,545 residents with a median household income of $46,815. The cost of living index is 86.8 (13.2% lower than the national average of 100).
Tax burden classification: Low. Effective combined tax rate of 25.4% includes federal, state, FICA, property, and sales taxes for a typical Winston-Salem 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 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 ($4,400 individual, $8,750 family), growth is tax-free, and withdrawals for medical expenses are tax-free.
Other Cities in North Carolina
Charlotte
ModerateRaleigh
ModerateGreensboro
LowDurham
ModerateFayetteville
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 Winston-Salem's median home value of $195,000and the local effective property tax rate of 0.8%.
- • 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 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).