North Carolina Sales Tax
Calculator
Calculate North Carolina sales tax instantly for any city. Enter any amount to see the exact tax and total including county and transit taxes.
About North Carolina Sales Tax
CATS Transit (Mecklenburg)
Businesses in this district charge an additional tax, bringing the total rate to NaN% instead of the standard 6.750%.
North Carolina Sales Tax Rates by City
North Carolina has a state sales tax rate of 4.750% plus a uniform 2% county tax (total 6.75%). Some counties add optional transit taxes of 0.25% to 0.5%, bringing combined rates to 7% or 7.25% in certain areas.
Charlotte
Mecklenburg County
Raleigh
Wake County
Greensboro
Guilford County
Winston-Salem
Forsyth County
Fayetteville
Cumberland County
Cary
Wake County
Wilmington
New Hanover County
High Point
Guilford County
Concord
Cabarrus County
Greenville
Pitt County
City | County | Standard Rate | Special District | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte | Mecklenburg | 6.750% | Special District | 943,476 |
| Raleigh | Wake | 6.750% | Special District | 499,825 |
| Greensboro | Guilford | 6.750% | Standard Rate | 307,381 |
| Winston-Salem | Forsyth | 7.000% | Standard Rate | 255,769 |
| Fayetteville | Cumberland | 6.750% | Standard Rate | 209,496 |
| Cary | Wake | 6.750% | Special District | 182,659 |
| Wilmington | New Hanover | 7.000% | Standard Rate | 125,284 |
| High Point | Guilford | 6.750% | Standard Rate | 118,601 |
| Concord | Cabarrus | 7.000% | Standard Rate | 112,395 |
| Greenville | Pitt | 7.000% | Standard Rate | 95,138 |
| Asheville | Buncombe | 7.000% | Standard Rate | 94,992 |
| Gastonia | Gaston | 7.000% | Standard Rate | 85,535 |
| Apex | Wake | 6.750% | Special District | 75,977 |
| Huntersville | Mecklenburg | 6.750% | Special District | 67,087 |
| Chapel Hill | Orange | 7.000% | Special District | 64,028 |
| Burlington | Alamance | 6.750% | Standard Rate | 61,365 |
| Kannapolis | Cabarrus | 7.000% | Standard Rate | 60,521 |
| Wake Forest | Wake | 6.750% | Special District | 56,764 |
| Rocky Mount | Nash | 6.750% | Standard Rate | 54,541 |
| Mooresville | Iredell | 6.750% | Standard Rate | 52,884 |
| Holly Springs | Wake | 6.750% | Special District | 48,674 |
| Wilson | Wilson | 6.750% | Standard Rate | 48,579 |
| Fuquay-Varina | Wake | 6.750% | Special District | 46,317 |
| Hickory | Catawba | 7.000% | Standard Rate | 45,081 |
| Indian Trail | Union | 6.750% | Standard Rate | 43,867 |
| Monroe | Union | 6.750% | Standard Rate | 40,054 |
| Garner | Wake | 6.750% | Special District | 39,345 |
| Salisbury | Rowan | 7.000% | Standard Rate | 36,579 |
| Durham | Durham | 7.000% | Special District | 30,187 |
| Jacksonville | Onslow | 7.000% | Standard Rate | 7,084 |
Note: Total rates include the 4.750% state rate plus 2% county tax. Transit taxes apply in special districts.
How to Calculate Sales Tax in North Carolina
Reverse Calculation
Know the total in Charlotte? Divide by 1.0675 to find the pre-tax price. Example: $106.75 ÷ 1.0675 = $100.00
What's Taxed?
Understanding North Carolina's Sales Tax Structure
Uniform County Rate
All 100 counties in NC have the same 2% county sales tax
Every county in North Carolina charges exactly 2% local tax on top of the 4.75% state rate, making a uniform minimum of 6.75%.
Some counties add 0.25% to 0.5% for public transit (Mecklenburg, Wake, Durham, and Orange counties).
Food for home consumption is taxed at only 2% (not the full combined rate), making groceries more affordable.
Highway Use Tax
Vehicles have a separate 3% tax instead of sales tax
- • Vehicle Purchases: 3% Highway Use Tax (capped at $2,000) applies instead of the general sales tax
- • Groceries: Food for home consumption taxed at reduced 2% rate
- • Prescription Drugs: Completely exempt from sales tax
- • Manufacturing Equipment: Exempt to encourage industrial development
- • Prepared Foods: Restaurant meals and prepared foods taxed at full rate (6.75%+)
Note: North Carolina's uniform structure makes it easy to predict rates—nearly all purchases are either 6.75% or 7% depending on the county, with groceries always at 2%.
How North Carolina Compares to Neighboring States
Here's how North Carolina's sales tax stacks up against nearby states
local tax
local tax
local tax
local tax
North Carolina's uniform 6.75% minimum makes rates very predictable, sitting in the middle range among neighboring states. Lower than Tennessee but higher than Virginia and Georgia.
Frequently Asked Questions
North Carolina Sales Tax Rate History
North Carolina's sales tax has been in effect since 1957:
| Year | Event | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Current | 4.75% state + 2% county | 6.75% minimum in all counties |
| 2020 | Mecklenburg transit tax added | 0.25% CATS transit tax (Charlotte area) |
| 2013 | Wake County transit tax added | 0.5% transit tax (Raleigh/Cary area) |
| 2011 | Rate increased to 4.75% | Increased from 4.5% (effective July 1, 2011) |
| 2009 | Rate increased to 4.5% | Temporary increase during recession |
| 2001 | Rate reduced to 4% | Down from 4.5% |
| 1971 | 2% county tax enacted | Uniform county tax established |
| 1957 | Sales tax enacted | Initial rate of 3% |
Key insight: North Carolina's uniform county rate system (2% in every county since 1971) makes the state's sales tax very predictable. The state rate has been 4.75% since 2011, with only selective transit taxes varying by location.
Related Calculators & Resources
Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates based on current North Carolina sales tax rates as of January 2025. Tax rates are subject to change by state and local legislation. For official tax rates and specific guidance on your situation, please consult the North Carolina Department of Revenue or a qualified tax professional.
Not Legal or Tax Advice: The information provided on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or tax advice. Always verify current rates before making large purchases or business decisions.
Sources: North Carolina Department of Revenue, NCGS Chapter 105, Article 5 (Sales and Use Tax)
Last updated: October 10, 2025