North Carolina Take-Home Pay Calculator
4.5% flat rateEstimate your net paycheck after federal taxes, FICA, and North Carolina state income tax.
Last updated: April 2026
North Carolina Income Tax
North Carolina uses a flat 4.5% income tax rate, down from prior higher graduated rates.
North Carolina State Income Tax: What You Need to Know
North Carolina uses a flat 4.5% income tax rate, down from prior higher graduated rates.
North Carolina moved to a flat income tax system and has been steadily reducing its rate. In 2026, the rate is 4.5%, down from 5.25% in 2022. North Carolina's legislature has set a path to reach 3.99% by 2027. North Carolina has no city income tax — there is no additional local income tax withholding for NC workers.
On top of state taxes, all workers also pay federal income tax based on the 2026 progressive brackets, plus FICA taxes: Social Security (6.2% up to $176,100) and Medicare (1.45% on all wages).
Our calculator applies North Carolina's 4.5% flat rate to your gross income as a simplified estimate. Actual state taxes may vary based on deductions, exemptions, and local taxes not captured in this estimate.
North Carolina Take-Home Pay Examples (2026, Single Filer)
Estimates based on standard deduction, no pre-tax deductions. Last updated: April 2026.
| Salary | Federal Tax | State Tax | FICA | Take-Home |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $3,167 | $1,800 | $3,060 | $31,973 |
| $60,000 | $6,617 | $2,700 | $4,590 | $46,093 |
| $80,000 | $10,817 | $3,600 | $6,120 | $59,463 |
| $100,000 | $15,617 | $4,500 | $7,650 | $72,233 |
Frequently Asked Questions: North Carolina Taxes
What is North Carolina's income tax rate for 2026?
North Carolina's flat income tax rate is 4.5% for 2026. This applies to all taxable income. The rate has been decreasing steadily — it was 5.25% in 2022, 4.99% in 2023, 4.75% in 2024, 4.6% in 2025, and 4.5% in 2026. It is scheduled to reach 3.99% by 2027.
Does North Carolina have any city income taxes?
No. North Carolina does not allow cities or counties to impose local income taxes on wages. Workers in Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham, and other NC cities pay only state and federal income taxes — no local withholding.
What is North Carolina's standard deduction?
North Carolina's standard deduction for 2026 is $10,750 for single filers and $21,500 for married filing jointly. This is applied before the state 4.5% rate, reducing your NC taxable income.
How does North Carolina compare to South Carolina on income taxes?
North Carolina's 4.5% flat rate is lower than South Carolina's top rate of 6.5% for most middle and upper income earners. SC has graduated brackets with a standard deduction, but most workers earning $50,000+ pay more total state income tax in SC than in NC.
Is Social Security taxed in North Carolina?
No. North Carolina does not tax Social Security benefits. Other retirement income (pensions, 401k withdrawals) may be partially exempt depending on type and when contributions were made.
What is North Carolina minimum wage in 2026?
North Carolina's minimum wage is $7.25/hour — the federal minimum. North Carolina has not raised its state minimum above the federal floor. There is no state provision allowing counties or cities to set higher local minimums.