💰 Free Payroll Calculator — 2026 Tax Year
Calculate your take-home pay with federal & state taxes
North Carolina Payroll Tax Overview for 2026
North Carolina levies a state income tax with rates ranging from 4.5%. When calculating payroll in North Carolina, employers must withhold both federal and state income taxes, along with FICA contributions (Social Security at 6.2% and Medicare at 1.45%).
North Carolina Income Tax Brackets (2026)
| Income Range | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| $0.00 — and above | 4.5% |
Additional North Carolina Payroll Information
- Minimum Wage (2026): $7.25 per hour
- State Unemployment Insurance (SUI): 0.06-5.76% (employer-paid)
- Capital: Raleigh
- Population: 10.7M
Note: Flat tax declining annually. Target 0% eventually.
North Carolina Take-Home Pay Examples
See how much you'd take home at different salary levels in North Carolina (single filer, 2026 tax year):
| Annual Salary | Federal Tax | State Tax | FICA | Take-Home | Eff. Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000.00 | $3,877.50 | $2,250.00 | $3,825.00 | $40,047.50 | 19.91% |
| $75,000.00 | $7,960.00 | $3,375.00 | $5,737.50 | $57,927.50 | 22.76% |
| $100,000.00 | $13,460.00 | $4,500.00 | $7,650.00 | $74,390.00 | 25.61% |
Employer Payroll Tax Cost in North Carolina
Employers in North Carolina must pay additional payroll taxes on top of each employee's salary. Here's the employer cost breakdown for a $75,000 salary:
Employer SS (6.2%)
$4,650.00
Employer Medicare (1.45%)
$1,087.50
FUTA (0.6%)
$42.00
Total Employer Cost
$80,779.50
+7.71% above salary
North Carolina Payroll FAQ
Payroll Calculators for Other States
Disclaimer: This North Carolina payroll calculator provides estimates for informational purposes only. Actual tax withholdings may vary based on local taxes, additional deductions, and individual circumstances. North Carolina tax rates are based on 2026 figures from the IRS and North Carolina Department of Revenue. Consult a qualified tax professional for accurate payroll advice.