North Carolina Sales Tax Calculator
Figure the tax, the total, or the pre-tax price for any U.S. state or city rate
North Carolina levies a 4.75% state sales tax on most retail purchases of tangible personal property and certain services. Counties and municipalities are authorized to add their own local rates on top of that — most counties impose an additional 2% or 2.25%, and some apply an optional 0.5% transit tax. According to the Tax Foundation, the average combined state-plus-local rate across all North Carolina counties is 7.00% for 2025, placing the state in the mid-range nationally.
One notable feature of North Carolina's tax code is its treatment of groceries. Qualifying food items — fresh produce, meat, dairy, bread, and other unprepared staples — are exempt from the 4.75% state portion of sales tax, but a reduced 2% local tax still applies at checkout. Prepared food, candy, and soft drinks are fully taxable at the combined rate.
Worked example: Buying a $100 jacket in a typical North Carolina county with the 7.00% combined rate adds $7.00 in tax, for a total of $107.00. In a county with a transit surcharge that pushes the combined rate to 7.5%, that same jacket costs $107.50.
To use this calculator, enter the purchase price in the Amount field and the applicable combined rate for your county in the Rate field (7.00% is a safe average if you're unsure). The tool returns the tax amount and the final total in real time. Always confirm the exact county rate for precise figures — the NC Department of Revenue posts current county-by-county rates at ncdor.gov.
Practical example — North Carolina
A $500 electronics purchase in Wake County (Raleigh), where the combined rate is 7.25%, adds $36.25 in sales tax for a total of $536.25 at the register.
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❓ Frequently asked questions
What is the sales tax rate in North Carolina?
North Carolina has a statewide base sales tax rate of 4.75%. Most counties add 2% to 2.25% in local tax, and some add a 0.5% transit tax, bringing the average combined rate to 7.00% according to the Tax Foundation (2025 data).
Does North Carolina have local sales tax on top of the state rate?
Yes. All 100 North Carolina counties impose a local sales tax of at least 2%, and some add an optional 0.5% transit and/or special district tax. The highest combined rates reach 7.5% in counties with the transit surcharge.
Are groceries taxed in North Carolina?
Qualifying grocery items (fresh produce, meat, dairy, bread, unprepared staples) are exempt from the 4.75% state sales tax. However, a 2% local sales tax still applies at the county level. Prepared food, candy, and soft drinks are fully taxable.
What items are exempt from North Carolina sales tax?
Beyond qualifying groceries, North Carolina exempts prescription drugs, certain medical devices, some farm equipment and agricultural supplies, and purchases made with SNAP/WIC benefits. Non-prescription medicines are generally taxable.
How do I find the exact sales tax rate for my North Carolina county?
The NC Department of Revenue (ncdor.gov) publishes a current list of county-by-county combined rates. Most counties are at 6.75%–7.00%, with a handful at 7.5% due to transit taxes. You can enter your specific county rate directly into this calculator.