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Sales Tax Calculator North Carolina — Free 2026

Calculate North Carolina sales tax with the 4.75% state base rate. Click a city for local combined rates or enter your own.

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Charlotte (Mecklenburg) 7.25% Raleigh (Wake) 7.25% Durham 7.5% Greensboro 6.75% Asheville 7% State Base 4.75%

Sales Tax Breakdown

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Tax Amount
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Total With Tax
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Effective Rate
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Pre-Tax Amount

How It Works

  1. Enter purchase amount
  2. Select your city rate
  3. View results
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Understanding Sales Tax in North Carolina

North Carolina has a state base sales tax rate of 4.75%, with counties adding 2-2.75% in local taxes. Combined rates range from about 6.75% to 7.5% depending on the county. The state's major metro areas — Charlotte, Raleigh, and Durham — all have combined rates in the 7.25-7.5% range. North Carolina's tax structure is county-based, so rates change when you cross county lines.

How North Carolina Sales Tax Works

The 4.75% state rate applies to most retail purchases. Counties add local taxes through several authorized articles: Article 39 (1%), Article 40 (0.5%), Article 42 (0.5%), and additional transit or other taxes where approved. Most counties have a total local addition of 2-2.5%. Durham County has one of the highest combined rates at 7.5% due to additional transit taxes. For help calculating tips at restaurants, try our tip calculator.

Groceries and Tax Holidays

North Carolina taxes groceries at a reduced state rate of 2% instead of 4.75%, but county taxes still apply, so grocery purchases typically incur 4-4.75% total tax. Clothing is taxed at the full rate. The state offers sales tax holidays including a back-to-school holiday (clothing, school supplies) and an Energy Star appliance holiday. Check the NC Department of Revenue for current dates. For all-states comparison, see the US Sales Tax Calculator.

State base rates shown. County rates vary — use your receipt or the NC Department of Revenue for exact combined rates. Groceries taxed at reduced 2% state rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is North Carolina's sales tax rate?
North Carolina has a state base sales tax rate of 4.75%. Counties can add local taxes of up to 2.75%, bringing combined rates to between 6.75% and 7.5%. Charlotte and Raleigh (Mecklenburg and Wake Counties) have combined rates of 7.25%, Durham County is at 7.5%, and Greensboro (Guilford County) is at 6.75%.
How do North Carolina county sales taxes work?
North Carolina counties levy local sales taxes on top of the 4.75% state rate. Most counties add 2-2.75% in local taxes through a combination of Article 39 (1%), Article 40 (0.5%), Article 42 (0.5%), and transit taxes. The exact combination varies by county. Durham County has one of the highest local additions, while some counties add only 2%.
Are groceries taxed in North Carolina?
Yes, but at a reduced rate. North Carolina taxes qualifying grocery food at a reduced state rate of 2% instead of the standard 4.75%. Local county taxes still apply on top of the 2% state rate. This means groceries in most areas are taxed at about 4-4.75% total — lower than general merchandise but not fully exempt. Prepared food is taxed at the full rate.
Does North Carolina have sales tax holidays?
Yes. North Carolina offers sales tax holidays including a back-to-school holiday (typically in August) exempting qualifying clothing, school supplies, and instructional materials, and an Energy Star appliance holiday exempting qualifying energy-efficient products. Dates and qualifying items are set by the NC General Assembly each year.

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