North Carolina Income Tax Calculator 2026
See your North Carolina state tax, effective rate, and take-home pay in 60 seconds.
- This state uses a simplified estimate: a single rate schedule applied to gross income less the standard deduction and personal exemption. Local income taxes, mandatory state payroll contributions, retirement income exclusions, credits, and state-specific adjustments are not modeled.
Estimated federal and state take-home pay based on the information entered. Local taxes, state payroll programs, employer benefits, itemized deductions, tax credits, and special state adjustments may not be included. Tax year 2026. North Carolina figures last verified July 17, 2026 — see sources below.
Worked example: A single filer earning $85,000 in North Carolina
Start with $85,000 of wages. After $12,750 in modeled state deductions/exemptions, North Carolina applies its flat 3.99% rate, which comes to about $2,883 in state income tax — an effective state rate near 3.4%. Federal income tax and FICA are calculated separately and shown in the calculator above.
Assumes a single filer taking the standard treatment. Figures are educational estimates.
How North Carolina taxes income
North Carolina is a flat-tax state: all taxable income is taxed at the same 3.99% rate, regardless of how much you earn. There are no brackets to climb.
North Carolina generally starts from your federal income, applies state-specific adjustments, and then applies the flat 3.99% rate. Deductions, exemptions, and credits can change the final number — confirm the current details with the North Carolina Department of Revenue.
2026 rate structure
Retirement income & Social Security
North Carolina retirement income treatment varies by plan type, your age, and whether the distribution is qualifying. Many states exempt some or all 401(k), IRA and pension income for retirees, and this calculator does not model those exclusions. Check the North Carolina Department of Revenue for the rules that apply to you before assuming distributions are taxable.
Local taxes & reciprocity
North Carolina has no local or city income tax — only the state income tax applies to wages.
Reciprocity: North Carolina has no income tax reciprocity agreements. If you work across state lines, you generally file a non-resident return where you work and claim a credit to avoid double taxation.
Notable deductions, credits & other taxes
Deductions & credits
- North Carolina standard deduction (about $12,750 single / $25,500 MFJ in this model — verify current amounts)
- Credit for income taxes paid to other states (for residents with out-of-state income)
- State versions of common credits — earned income, child/dependent care, and education credits — where offered
Capital gains: North Carolina has no separate capital gains rate. Capital gains included in your federal AGI are taxed as ordinary income at the flat 3.99% rate.
Property tax: Property taxes in North Carolina are assessed and collected locally, so effective rates vary widely by county and municipality. Check your county assessor or the North Carolina Department of Revenue for local rates.
North Carolina vs. neighboring states
Compared with its neighbors — Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia — North Carolina's flat 3.99% sit within the regional range. Effective rates depend heavily on income level, deductions, and local taxes. Note that Tennessee has no income tax at all, which can matter for people living or working near the border.
North Carolina state tax FAQs
What is the North Carolina state income tax rate for 2026?
North Carolina levies a flat 3.99% income tax that applies to all taxable income, with no graduated brackets.
Does North Carolina tax retirement income or Social Security?
Social Security benefits are exempt from North Carolina income tax. Treatment of other retirement income depends on the plan type, your age, and whether the distribution is qualifying — many states exempt some or all of it for retirees. This calculator does not model those exclusions, so verify with the North Carolina Department of Revenue rather than assuming your distributions are fully taxable.
How are capital gains taxed in North Carolina?
North Carolina has no separate capital gains rate. Capital gains included in your federal AGI are taxed as ordinary income at the flat 3.99% rate.
Is there a local or city income tax in North Carolina?
North Carolina has no local or city income tax — only the state income tax applies to wages.
Does North Carolina have tax reciprocity with neighboring states?
North Carolina has no income tax reciprocity agreements. If you work across state lines, you generally file a non-resident return where you work and claim a credit to avoid being taxed twice.
Sources & verification
Last verified July 17, 2026.