North Carolina paycheck taxes at a glance
North Carolina has a flat 3.99% income tax. Every paycheck also has federal income tax, Social Security (6.2%) and Medicare (1.45%) withheld. This calculator uses 2026 North Carolina rules and 2026 federal brackets.
| Income tax | Flat 3.99% |
| Standard deduction | $12,750 single · $25,500 married |
| Personal exemption | $0 single · $0 married |
| 401(k) contributions | Excluded from state taxable wages |
| Local income taxes | None — No local income taxes. |
| State payroll deductions | None |
The calculator applies the main North Carolina rates, deductions, exemptions and credits above. Dependent credits, itemized deductions and special rules for very high incomes are not included.
Take-home pay examples in North Carolina
Single filer, standard deduction, no 401(k), paid bi-weekly.
| Salary | Take-home / year | / month | / paycheck | State & local tax | Total tax rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $33,233 | $2,769 | $1,278 | $1,087 | 16.9% |
| $60,000 | $48,505 | $4,042 | $1,866 | $1,885 | 19.2% |
| $80,000 | $62,427 | $5,202 | $2,401 | $2,683 | 22.0% |
| $100,000 | $75,699 | $6,308 | $2,911 | $3,481 | 24.3% |
| $150,000 | $108,315 | $9,026 | $4,166 | $5,476 | 27.8% |
Full breakdown by salary: $30,000 · $40,000 · $50,000 · $60,000 · $70,000 · $80,000 · $90,000 · $100,000 · $120,000 · $150,000
Good to know
- North Carolina's flat income tax rate fell to 3.99% for 2026, down from 4.25% in 2025.
- North Carolina's standard deduction is $12,750 for single filers and $25,500 for married couples filing jointly.
- Groceries in North Carolina are taxed only at a 2% local rate.
Also see the North Carolina sales tax calculator.
Sources
Paycheck calculators for other states
Frequently asked questions
What is the North Carolina income tax rate for 2026?
North Carolina has a flat income tax of 3.99% on taxable income for 2026.
How much is $60,000 a year after taxes in North Carolina?
A single filer earning $60,000 takes home about $48,505 a year ($4,042 a month) in North Carolina, after federal income tax ($5,020), Social Security and Medicare ($4,590) and North Carolina income tax ($1,885), using 2026 rules and the standard deduction.
Are 401(k) contributions taxed in North Carolina?
No. Traditional 401(k) contributions lower both your federal and North Carolina taxable income. They are still subject to Social Security and Medicare.