US • Taxes • Updated for 2026

North Carolina Sales Tax Calculator 2026

Estimate NC sales tax using the 4.75% state rate plus local add-ons. Use city pages for exact combined rates (e.g. Charlotte 7.25%).

Inputs

Enter purchase details to calculate sales tax.

Override local rates (optional)

Use this on state pages when you only know the base state rate. City pages should use the prefilled local breakdown.

Results

Sales tax breakdown for North Carolina.

Effective Tax Rate: 4.750%

This category is taxable under the configured rules.

Purchase Price$100.00
Sales Tax$4.75
Total Price$104.75

Rate Breakdown

State4.750%
County0.000%
City0.000%
Special District0.000%
Base combined4.750%
Total4.750%
Calculator inputs stay on your device (local processing).

Find your city

Get the exact combined sales tax rate for your city. Select a city below or use the search.

Disclaimer: All calculators on this website are provided for informational and illustrative purposes only. The results do not constitute professional advice (including legal, tax, financial, medical, or other advice). Despite careful programming, we assume no liability for the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the results. For matters requiring professional advice, we recommend consulting an appropriate specialist (e.g., a tax advisor, lawyer, accountant, or physician).

1

How This Calculator Works

  1. Enter the purchase price and category (general, groceries, etc.).
  2. Optionally adjust county and special (transit) rates if you know your local breakdown.
  3. Tax = Price × (Total Rate / 100); total = Price + Tax.
2

Calculation Methodology

We calculate sales tax using the combined rate:

  • Total Rate: State + County + Special (e.g. transit)
  • Tax Amount: Price × (Total Rate / 100)
  • Total Price: Price + Tax

North Carolina Sales Tax Calculator 2026

North Carolina's statewide sales tax rate is 4.75% in 2026. Counties and transit districts add local rates—combined rates run from 4.75% to about 7.5%. Charlotte (Mecklenburg) is 7.25%, Raleigh and Durham vary. Use the calculator above for instant estimates or our city pages for exact combined rates.

North Carolina Sales Tax Structure (2026)

North Carolina has a 4.75% state sales tax. Counties and transit districts (e.g. transit tax in some areas) can add local rates.

  • State rate: 4.75%
  • County/transit add-ons: vary by locality (Charlotte area up to ~2.5% local)
  • Typical combined rate: 4.75% to 7.5% (Charlotte 7.25%)

Sales Tax Rates for Major North Carolina Areas

Use city pages for the most accurate combined rate and a full breakdown.

AreaExample combined rateCalculator
Charlotte (Mecklenburg County)7.25%Charlotte Sales Tax Calculator
Raleigh (Wake County)7.25%
Durham7.5%

How to Find Your Exact North Carolina Sales Tax Rate

Combined rates vary by county and transit district. Use the calculator above with your known local rates, or look up your rate on the North Carolina Department of Revenue Sales and Use Tax. For Charlotte: Charlotte Sales Tax Calculator, or browse North Carolina tax calculators.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:What is the North Carolina state sales tax rate in 2026?

North Carolina has a 4.75% statewide sales tax rate. Counties and transit districts add local rates; combined rates typically range from 4.75% to 7.5% (Charlotte area 7.25%).

Q:Is North Carolina sales tax the same in every county?

No. The state rate is 4.75% everywhere, but counties and transit districts impose additional rates, so the combined rate varies by location.

Q:Are groceries taxed in North Carolina?

Most unprepared food for home consumption is exempt from North Carolina sales tax. Prepared food, candy, and certain items may be taxable.