How North Carolina income tax works
North Carolina taxes individual income with a single flat rate of 4.25%.
Your tax is calculated on taxable income — gross income minus the $12,750 standard deduction for a single filer.
Flat 4.25% individual income tax (cut from 4.5%), scheduled to keep dropping toward 3.99%.
North Carolina income tax rates for 2026
Every dollar of taxable income is taxed at 4.25%, so your marginal and average rates are the same before deductions.
Your effective rate is the total tax divided by your gross income; your marginal rate is the rate on your next dollar earned. The calculator shows both.
North Carolina taxes capital gains as ordinary income at the flat rate.
Lowering your North Carolina tax bill
Pre-tax contributions to retirement accounts, health savings accounts and other deductions reduce the taxable income this calculator starts from.
Remember this estimate covers NC state income tax only. Federal income tax and payroll taxes apply on top, and this is a planning estimate — verify with the North Carolina Department of Revenue (ncdor.gov) or a tax professional.
Frequently asked questions
How much is North Carolina state income tax?
North Carolina charges a flat 4.25% on taxable income.
What is the difference between effective and marginal rate?
Your marginal rate is the rate on your last dollar of income; your effective rate is your total tax divided by total income, which is lower because of brackets and deductions.
Does this include federal tax?
No. This calculator estimates NC state income tax only. Federal income tax and payroll taxes are separate and apply on top.
How are capital gains taxed in North Carolina?
North Carolina taxes capital gains as ordinary income at the flat rate.