Does North Carolina have a state income tax?

North Carolina taxes individual income with a flat state income tax of 3.99%.

What is the minimum wage in North Carolina in 2026?

The 2026 minimum wage in North Carolina is $7.25/hour, with a tipped minimum of $2.13. No state minimum wage law; federal applies.

What is the sales tax in North Carolina?

The statewide sales tax rate is 4.75% (local city/county add-ons can raise the combined rate considerably).

North Carolina Taxes 2026 — Income Tax, Sales Tax & Minimum Wage

3.99%Income tax

4.75%State sales tax

$7.252026 min wage

2026Tax year

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Income Tax

North Carolina uses a flat rate of 3.99% on all taxable income — the same rate whether you earn $30,000 or $300,000.

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Sales Tax

The statewide sales tax is 4.75%. Cities and counties add local option taxes — combined rates commonly run 1.5–3 percentage points higher than the state rate.

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2026 Minimum Wage

$7.25/hour (tipped minimum 2.13). No state minimum wage law; federal applies

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Tax Filing Notes

File the North Carolina state return in addition to your federal return. The flat rate applies to federal taxable income with state-specific adjustments.

Context

How North Carolina compares

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All 50 States + D.C.

Compare income tax, sales tax, and minimum wage across every state.

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Federal Tax Estimator

2026 IRS brackets and standard deduction.

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North Carolina 2026 — FAQ

What is the 2026 minimum wage in North Carolina?

$7.25/hour, with a tipped minimum of $2.13. No state minimum wage law; federal applies

Is North Carolina income tax high or low compared to other states?

North Carolina's flat rate of 3.99% ranks among the lowest of states with an income tax.

Do local taxes add to these rates?

Yes. Cities and counties add local sales taxes (often +1.5–3 points), and some states add county income taxes (e.g., MD, IN). Check your local jurisdiction for the effective rate.

Sources: Tax Foundation — State Individual Income Tax Rates and Brackets 2026; U.S. DOL/WHD state minimum wage tables (Paylocity/Gusto 2026 editions); state revenue agencies. Retrieved Aug 11, 2026. Educational reference — verify current rates with the North Carolina revenue department before relying on them.