North Carolina sales tax at a glance
Qualifying food is exempt from the 4.75% state rate but taxed at a 2% local rate; Mecklenburg County's combined rate rose to 8.25% on July 1, 2026.
| State sales tax rate | 4.75% |
| Average local rate | 2.35% |
| Average combined rate | 7.1% |
| Highest combined rate | 8.25% |
| Groceries | Exempt |
North Carolina sales tax examples
| Price | State tax only | Tax at 7.1% | Total at 7.1% |
|---|---|---|---|
| $10 | $0.48 | $0.71 | $10.71 |
| $50 | $2.38 | $3.55 | $53.55 |
| $100 | $4.75 | $7.10 | $107.10 |
| $500 | $23.75 | $35.50 | $535.50 |
| $1,000 | $47.50 | $71.00 | $1,071.00 |
Also see the North Carolina paycheck calculator.
Sources
Sales tax calculators for other states
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Frequently asked questions
What is the sales tax rate in North Carolina?
The North Carolina state sales tax rate is 4.75%. Local taxes add an average of 2.35%, for an average combined rate of 7.1%; the highest combined rate in the state is 8.25%.
Are groceries taxed in North Carolina?
Groceries are exempt from the North Carolina state sales tax, although local sales taxes may still apply.
How do I calculate sales tax in North Carolina?
Multiply the price by the combined rate. At the average combined rate of 7.1%, a $100 purchase adds $7.10 in tax for a total of $107.10.