North Carolina State Tax Guide

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North Carolina state tax: Overivew

North Carolina state tax includes a flat personal income tax rate of 4.5%. The state's sales taxes are generally considered to be near the national average and the state's property taxes are relatively low. 

North Carolina, which doesn't have estate or inheritance taxes also doesn't tax groceries, although some localities do.

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[Data for this state tax guide was gathered from a number of sources including the Census Bureau, the state’s government website, the Sales Tax Handbook, and the Tax Foundation. Property taxes are cited as a rate percentage rather than the assessed value.] 

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North Carolina income tax

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North Carolina has a flat rate of 4.5% personal income tax rate. That rate is currently scheduled to drop over the next few years until it reaches 3.99 in 2027.

• Social Security: Not taxable
• Pensions: Taxable
• 401(k) and IRA Distributions: Taxable

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North Carolina sales tax

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North Carolina's state sales tax is 4.75%. According to the Tax Foundation, localities can add as much as 2.75%, and the average combined rate is 6.97%.

• Groceries: Exempt from state tax, but 2% local tax may apply
• Clothing: Taxable
• Motor Vehicles: Exempt from ordinary sales tax, but taxable under special 3% highway-use tax
• Prescription Drugs: Exempt

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What is the property tax rate in North Carolina?

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In North Carolina, property taxes paid are generally about 0.82% of assessed home value, according to the Tax Foundation.

North Carolina Property Tax Breaks for Retirees

North Carolina offers a homestead property tax exemption for eligible residents. The state excludes from property tax, a portion of the appraised value of a permanent residence. The owners must occupy the home and be 65 or older or totally and permanently disabled to qualify. Income limits also apply.

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North Carolina gas tax 

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Gasoline: $0.35 per gallon

Diesel: $0.35 per gallon

Source: The Sales Tax Handbook

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North Carolina taxes on alcohol and tobacco

North Carolina tobacco taxes

Source: The Sales Tax Handbook

North Carolina alcohol taxes

Source: The Sales Tax Handbook

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North Carolina estate and inheritance taxes

There is no estate or inheritance tax in North Carolina.

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