⚡ Updated for 2026 · North Carolina Sales Tax

North Carolina Sales Tax Calculator 2026

$
Sales Tax Amount
$0.00
Combined rate: 0%
Total with tax: $0.00
Pre-tax Amount
$0.00
Tax Amount
$0.00
Total Price
$0.00
Tax Rate Breakdown

North Carolina Sales Tax Rates by County (2026)

CountyState RateCounty RateCombined RateMajor City
Alamance4.75%2.00%6.75%Graham
Alexander4.75%2.00%6.75%Taylorsville
Alleghany4.75%2.00%6.75%Sparta
Anson4.75%2.00%6.75%Wadesboro
Ashe4.75%2.00%6.75%Jefferson
Avery4.75%2.00%6.75%Newland
Beaufort4.75%2.00%6.75%Washington
Bertie4.75%2.00%6.75%Windsor
Bladen4.75%2.00%6.75%Elizabethtown
Brunswick4.75%2.50%7.25%Bolivia
Buncombe4.75%2.25%7.00%Asheville
Burke4.75%2.00%6.75%Morganton
Cabarrus4.75%2.00%6.75%Concord

What Is the North Carolina Sales Tax Rate in 2026?

The state sales tax rate in North Carolina is 4.75%. However, the total sales tax rate can range from 6.75% to 7.5% depending on the county and local taxes. North Carolina has a unique tax system, where the state rate is combined with local rates to determine the total sales tax rate.

Some notable facts about North Carolina’s tax system include the fact that the state has a relatively low state sales tax rate compared to other states. However, the total sales tax rate can still be significant due to the addition of local taxes.

💡 Quick Reference: For example, if you purchase an item in Mecklenburg County, the total sales tax rate would be 7.25% (4.75% state rate + 2.50% county rate).

It’s also worth noting that certain items, such as groceries, are exempt from sales tax in North Carolina. However, this exemption only applies to certain types of food and does not include prepared foods or restaurant meals.

Common North Carolina Sales Tax Exemptions

🍔
Groceries
Certain types of food, such as canned goods and fresh produce, are exempt from sales tax in North Carolina.
👕
Clothing
Clothing and footwear are exempt from sales tax in North Carolina, with some exceptions for certain types of clothing, such as fur coats.
🏥
Prescription Medication
Prescription medication is exempt from sales tax in North Carolina, including prescription drugs and certain medical equipment.
📚
Textbooks
Textbooks and other educational materials are exempt from sales tax in North Carolina, including books, workbooks, and digital educational materials.
🎓
Educational Services
Certain educational services, such as tutoring and music lessons, are exempt from sales tax in North Carolina.
🚗
Vehicle Sales
The sale of vehicles is exempt from sales tax in North Carolina, but a highway use tax is applied instead.

How Does North Carolina Sales Tax Work?

The North Carolina Department of Revenue is responsible for collecting and administering sales tax in the state. Businesses that sell taxable goods and services in North Carolina are required to register for a sales tax permit and collect sales tax from their customers.

In order to be required to collect sales tax, a business must have a physical presence in North Carolina, such as a store or office, or exceed the economic nexus threshold of $100,000 in gross sales or 200 separate transactions in the state.

📅 North Carolina Sales Tax Filing: Businesses are required to file sales tax returns with the North Carolina Department of Revenue on a monthly or quarterly basis, depending on their sales volume. The due date for filing sales tax returns is the 20th day of the month following the end of the filing period.

Frequently Asked Questions

The state sales tax rate in North Carolina is 4.75%, but the total sales tax rate can range from 6.75% to 7.5% depending on the county and local taxes.
Yes, certain types of food, such as canned goods and fresh produce, are exempt from sales tax in North Carolina.
If you have a physical presence in North Carolina or exceed the economic nexus threshold of $100,000 in gross sales or 200 separate transactions in the state, you are required to collect sales tax on online sales.
The frequency of sales tax returns in North Carolina depends on your sales volume. If you have a monthly sales volume of $100 or more, you are required to file monthly returns. If your sales volume is less than $100 per month, you can file quarterly returns.
The penalty for not collecting sales tax in North Carolina can include fines, interest, and other penalties. The North Carolina Department of Revenue may also require you to pay any uncollected sales tax, plus interest and penalties.
Yes, if you have overpaid sales tax in North Carolina, you can file a claim for refund with the North Carolina Department of Revenue. You will need to provide documentation to support your claim, including records of your sales and tax payments.

More Free Financial Tools