Sales tax United States · Rates as of 1 July 2026
North Carolina Sales Tax Rate (2026)
North Carolina sales tax is 4.75% statewide; with city and county taxes the average combined rate is 7.1%. Use the calculator to add or remove tax from any price.
North Carolina sales tax calculator
Your exact rate depends on the city and county of the sale; enter it above if you know it.
How North Carolina sales tax works
North Carolina charges 4.75% statewide plus county taxes of about 2% to 2.75%.
To calculate it, multiply the price by the rate: tax = price × 7.1 ÷ 100. A $40 purchase at the average combined rate carries $2.84 tax, for $42.84 in total. To strip tax out of a receipt total, divide by 1.0710.
North Carolina sales tax on common amounts
| Price | Tax at 4.75% (state) | Tax at 7.1% | Total at 7.1% |
|---|---|---|---|
| $10.00 | $0.48 | $0.71 | $10.71 |
| $25.00 | $1.19 | $1.78 | $26.78 |
| $50.00 | $2.38 | $3.55 | $53.55 |
| $100.00 | $4.75 | $7.10 | $107.10 |
| $250.00 | $11.88 | $17.75 | $267.75 |
| $500.00 | $23.75 | $35.50 | $535.50 |
| $1,000.00 | $47.50 | $71.00 | $1,071.00 |
North Carolina vs neighbouring states
| State | State rate | Avg. combined | Tax on $100 |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | 4.75% | 7.1% | $7.10 |
| Virginia | 5.3% | 5.77% | $5.77 |
| Tennessee | 7% | 9.61% | $9.61 |
| Georgia | 4% | 7.56% | $7.56 |
| South Carolina | 6% | 7.49% | $7.49 |
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%.
How much is the sales tax on $100 in North Carolina?
At the state rate, $4.75 (total $104.75). At the average combined rate, $7.10 (total $107.10).
How do I calculate North Carolina sales tax?
Multiply the price by the rate as a decimal. Example: $50 × 7.1% = $3.55. To remove tax from a total, divide by (1 + rate): $100 ÷ 1.0710 = $93.37 before tax.
Is North Carolina sales tax high?
North Carolina ranks #22 of 50 states for average combined sales tax (1 = highest). The population-weighted US average combined rate is about 7.5%.
Sources
- Tax Foundation, State and Local Sales Tax Rates, Midyear 2026 (rates as of 1 July 2026; local rates are population-weighted averages).
- State departments of revenue for statewide rates and exemptions.
Rates change. Always confirm the exact rate for a specific address with the relevant tax authority before filing or invoicing.