What is the North Carolina income tax rate?

North Carolina has a flat income tax rate of 4.5%. All taxable income is taxed at this same rate regardless of income level.

Does North Carolina have a standard deduction?

Yes. The North Carolina standard deduction is $12,750 for single filers and $25,500 for married filing jointly.

How is North Carolina income tax calculated?

North Carolina uses a flat tax system. After subtracting your standard deduction (if applicable), your remaining taxable income is taxed at a flat rate of 4.5%, then added to your federal tax and FICA obligations.

How do I calculate my total North Carolina tax bill?

Your total tax includes federal income tax (10%–37%), Social Security (6.2% on the first $176,100), Medicare (1.45%), and North Carolina state income tax. Use our free calculator above for an instant breakdown.

North Carolina Income Tax Calculator 2026

Estimate your North Carolina (NC) income tax for 2026. North Carolina has a 4.5% flat state income tax. Enter your income below and click “Calculate Taxes” for an instant breakdown.

Tax Information

Annual Gross Income

Filing Status

State

Enter your income to estimate your tax liability

North Carolina Income Tax Overview

North Carolina has a flat income tax rate of 4.5%. This means all taxable income is taxed at the same rate regardless of how much you earn.

The standard deduction in North Carolina is $12,750 for single filers and $25,500 for married filing jointly.

Key Facts About North Carolina Taxes

North Carolina has been steadily cutting its flat tax rate from 5.25% in 2021 to 4.5% in 2025, with plans to reach 3.99% by 2027. This trend makes NC increasingly competitive with no-income-tax states.

The state offers a generous $12,750 standard deduction for single filers ($25,500 married), plus a child tax deduction. North Carolina does not tax Social Security benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the North Carolina income tax rate?: North Carolina has a flat income tax rate of 4.5%. All taxable income is taxed at this same rate regardless of income level.
Does North Carolina have a standard deduction?: Yes. The North Carolina standard deduction is $12,750 for single filers and $25,500 for married filing jointly.
How is North Carolina income tax calculated?: North Carolina uses a flat tax system. After subtracting your standard deduction (if applicable), your remaining taxable income is taxed at a flat rate of 4.5%, then added to your federal tax and FICA obligations.
How do I calculate my total North Carolina tax bill?: Your total tax includes federal income tax (10%–37%), Social Security (6.2% on the first $176,100), Medicare (1.45%), and North Carolina state income tax. Use our free calculator above for an instant breakdown.

Related Calculators & Resources

North Carolina Paycheck Calculator

Calculate your North Carolina take-home pay

Federal Tax Calculator

Estimate your federal income tax liability

All 50 State Tax Rates

Compare income tax rates across every state

North Carolina Tax Brackets

See 2025 federal and North Carolina brackets

North Carolina Take-Home Pay

Detailed net pay breakdown for North Carolina

North Carolina Total Tax Burden

Combined federal, state, and local taxes