North Carolina Sales Tax Calculator 2026

Charlotte 7.25% · Raleigh 7.25% · Durham 7.5% · NC base 4.75%

North Carolina has a 4.75% state sales tax. Every county adds a uniform 2% county rate, making the minimum 6.75% statewide. Some counties add transit taxes — Charlotte and Raleigh are 7.25%, Durham is 7.5%. Groceries are taxed at a reduced 2% state rate.

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Educational tool only — not tax advice. Confirm rates before filing or pricing for customers.

North Carolina combined rates by city — 2026 reference

Charlotte
Mecklenburg County · State 4.75% + County 2% + Transit 0.5%
7.25%
Raleigh
Wake County · State 4.75% + County 2% + Transit 0.5%
7.25%
Durham
Durham County · State 4.75% + County 2% + Transit 0.75%
7.5%
Greensboro
Guilford County · State 4.75% + County 2%
6.75%
Winston-Salem
Forsyth County · State 4.75% + County 2% + Special 0.25%
7%
Fayetteville
Cumberland County · State 4.75% + County 2%
6.75%
Cary
Wake County · State 4.75% + County 2% + Transit 0.5%
7.25%
Wilmington
New Hanover County · State 4.75% + County 2%
6.75%
High Point
Guilford County · State 4.75% + County 2%
6.75%
Chapel Hill
Orange County · State 4.75% + County 2% + Transit 0.75%
7.5%
Asheville
Buncombe County · State 4.75% + County 2% + Special 0.25%
7%
Concord
Cabarrus County · State 4.75% + County 2% + Transit 0.25%
7%

ZIP and district rules can differ. Verify on North Carolina Dept. of Revenue.

State rate: 4.75%

Avg combined: 6.99%

Economic nexus: $100,000 in sales OR 200 transactions in North Carolina

Filing: Monthly, Quarterly, or Annual

How North Carolina Sales Tax Works

North Carolina's 4.75% state rate plus a uniform 2% county addition creates a predictable baseline of 6.75% across all 100 counties. Some counties add transit or special district taxes on top. Mecklenburg (Charlotte) and Wake (Raleigh) add 0.5% for 7.25%. Durham adds 0.75% for 7.5%. Most other NC counties stay at base 6.75%.

NC Grocery Tax

North Carolina taxes groceries at a reduced 2% state rate. Restaurant meals and prepared food are taxed at the full general rate. Local county taxes also apply on groceries in most counties.

Often taxable in North Carolina

General merchandise
Electronics
Clothing
Restaurant meals
Prepared food

Common exemptions

Groceries taxed at reduced 2% state rate
Prescription drugs exempt
Medical equipment
Agricultural items

North Carolina sales tax — frequently asked questions

What is the North Carolina sales tax rate in 2026?

NC state rate is 4.75%. Every county adds 2%. Some add transit taxes. Charlotte and Raleigh are 7.25%, Durham is 7.5%, most other counties are 6.75%.

Does North Carolina tax groceries?

Yes, but at a reduced 2% state rate instead of the full 4.75%. Local taxes may also apply on food.

What is the Charlotte NC sales tax rate?

Charlotte (Mecklenburg County) is 7.25% — 4.75% state + 2% county + 0.5% Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) transit tax.

Why is Durham sales tax higher than Charlotte?

Durham's transit addition is 0.75% vs Mecklenburg's 0.5%, bringing Durham to 7.5% vs Charlotte's 7.25%.

Disclaimer: Rates are for informational and educational purposes and may be incomplete or outdated. Always verify with the official North Carolina revenue authority or a qualified professional before filing or making business decisions.