North Carolina Income Tax Calculator 2026
See your North Carolina state tax, effective rate, and take-home pay in 60 seconds.
Estimate only. Uses 2026 federal figures, North Carolinastate figures (see sources below), and a standard-deduction federal calculation. Filing status “Head of household” uses the single column for North Carolina. Your actual tax depends on credits, additional income, and adjustments.
Worked example: A single filer earning $85,000 in North Carolina
Start with $85,000 of wages. North Carolina applies its flat 4.25% rate, which comes to about $3,613 in state income tax — an effective state rate near 4.3%. 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 4.25% 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 4.25% 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 generally taxes retirement income such as 401(k), IRA, and pension distributions, though it may offer exclusions, deductions, or credits for certain pension or retirement income and for older taxpayers. Confirm the current exclusions with the North Carolina Department of Revenue.
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 and personal exemptions (verify current amounts with the North Carolina Department of Revenue)
- 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 4.25% 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 4.25% 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 4.25% 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. For other retirement income, North Carolina generally taxes 401(k), IRA, and pension distributions, though exclusions may apply. Verify with the North Carolina Department of Revenue.
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 4.25% 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 June 12, 2026.