North Carolina Payroll Tax Calculator 2026
Calculate your exact North Carolina take-home pay. State income tax: 3.99% flat. Includes federal taxes and FICA.
| Deduction | Per Paycheck | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Pay | — | — |
| Federal Income Tax | — | — |
| North Carolina State Tax | — | — |
| Social Security (6.2%) | — | — |
| Medicare (1.45%) | — | — |
| Total Deductions | — | — |
| Net Take-Home | — | — |
North Carolina Payroll Tax Calculator 2026
North Carolina uses a flat income tax rate of 4.5% effective 2024, reduced from 4.75% in 2023 and continuing to drop — the rate is scheduled to reach 2.49% by 2030. The standard deduction is $12,750 for single filers (2026). North Carolina does not tax Social Security benefits.
All Payroll Deductions in North Carolina (2026)
- Federal income tax: 10%–37% (2026 IRS brackets; single filer pays 22% bracket above ~$50,000 taxable income)
- North Carolina state income tax: 4.5% flat rate
- Social Security: 6.2% on wages up to $176,100 (2026 wage base)
- Medicare: 1.45% on all wages (no cap); additional 0.9% on wages over $200,000
- Payroll Taxes Guide
- Overtime Rules
- Tax Withholding Guide
Notable North Carolina Tax Features
North Carolina's aggressive tax reform has made it one of the fastest-declining income tax burden states in the Southeast. The scheduled reductions to 2.49% by 2030 will make it the lowest flat rate in the nation at that time.
North Carolina vs Neighboring States
For a $65,000 earner in North Carolina, state income tax is approximately $2,350–$2,500/year. As rates decline toward 2.49%, this will fall to approximately $1,250/year — a major improvement for workers and businesses.
About This Calculator
This North Carolina payroll tax calculator uses 2026 federal and state rates from IRS Publication 15-T and the North Carolina Department of Revenue. Results are estimates based on the annualized withholding method. Actual withholding may differ based on W-4 elections, local income taxes, itemized deductions, tax credits, and pre-tax benefits. Always verify with your payroll provider or a tax professional for official payroll purposes.