North Carolina sales tax rates (July 1, 2026)
| State rate | 4.75% |
|---|---|
| Average local rate | 2.35% (population-weighted; your address may differ) |
| Average combined rate | 7.10% |
| Rank among the 50 states and DC | 22 of 51, where 1 is the highest combined rate |
The 4.75% state rate applies everywhere in North Carolina; local rates vary by city, county and special district, which is why the calculator lets you switch between the statewide average and your own local rate. For deliveries, the rate at the delivery address usually applies.
Sales tax on common purchases in North Carolina
| Purchase | State tax only (4.75%) | Tax at 7.10% | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| $10 | $0.48 | $0.71 | $10.71 |
| $25 | $1.19 | $1.78 | $26.78 |
| $50 | $2.38 | $3.55 | $53.55 |
| $100 | $4.75 | $7.10 | $107.10 |
| $250 | $11.88 | $17.75 | $267.75 |
| $500 | $23.75 | $35.50 | $535.50 |
| $1,000 | $47.50 | $71.00 | $1,071.00 |
| $5,000 | $237.50 | $355.00 | $5,355.00 |
Worked example: a $250 purchase
Combined rate = 4.75% state + 2.35% average local = 7.10%
Sales tax = $250 × 0.071 = $17.75 ($11.88 state, $5.87 local)
Total = $250 + $17.75 = $267.75
To back the tax out of a receipt total, divide by 1 plus the rate: $267.75 ÷ 1.071 ≈ $250.00. The reverse sales tax calculator does this for any rate.
North Carolina compared with nearby states
| State | State rate | Avg. local | Combined | Tax on $250 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | 4.75% | 2.35% | 7.10% | $17.75 |
| Virginia | 5.30% | 0.47% | 5.77% | $14.43 |
| Tennessee | 7.00% | 2.61% | 9.61% | $24.03 |
| Georgia | 4.00% | 3.56% | 7.56% | $18.90 |
| South Carolina | 6.00% | 1.49% | 7.49% | $18.73 |
Average combined rates are lower in Virginia. Before shopping across the border, note that states with a sales tax also charge use tax on taxable goods bought elsewhere and brought home untaxed, and vehicles are taxed where they are registered.
What's taxed and what's exempt in North Carolina
- Groceries are exempt from the 4.75% state sales tax, but local sales taxes apply to them.
Frequently asked questions
What is the sales tax rate in North Carolina in 2026?
The state rate is 4.75%. Cities, counties and districts add an average of 2.35%, for a combined average of 7.10% as of July 1, 2026.
How much is the sales tax on $100 in North Carolina?
About $7.10 at the 7.10% average combined rate, for a total of $107.10. The 4.75% state share alone is $4.75.
How does North Carolina's sales tax compare with other states?
North Carolina ranks 22 of 51 for combined state and average local sales tax, where 1 is the highest. Nearby, Virginia (5.77%) is lower. Tennessee (9.61%), Georgia (7.56%) and South Carolina (7.49%) are higher.
Do I pay North Carolina sales tax on online orders?
Yes, in most cases. Larger online sellers and marketplaces collect North Carolina sales tax based on the delivery address. If a seller doesn't, North Carolina residents owe use tax at the same rate on taxable items, usually reported on the state income tax return.
What else should shoppers know about sales tax in North Carolina?
Groceries are exempt from the 4.75% state sales tax, but local sales taxes apply to them.
Rates are averages for planning — not tax advice. Source: Tax Foundation, State and Local Sales Tax Rates, Midyear 2026 (rates as of July 1, 2026). Local rates vary by address and can change during the year; the North Carolina revenue department publishes the official rate for each location.