North Carolina Paycheck Calculator 2026 – Estimate Your Take-Home Pay
Use our free North Carolina Paycheck Calculator to estimate your net pay for the 2026 tax year. This tool acts as a NC net pay calculator by computing Federal withholding, FICA taxes, and North Carolina income tax at the state's flat rate of 4.50%. Because North Carolina uses a simple flat tax rather than progressive brackets, calculating your North Carolina take-home pay is straightforward and consistent regardless of income level.
- State Tax Rate: 4.50% (Flat Rate)
- Federal Tax: 10% – 37% (Based on brackets)
- Social Security: 6.2%
- Medicare: 1.45%
How the North Carolina Paycheck Calculator Works
Our North Carolina gross to net calculator uses the latest 2026 tax rules. Unlike states with complex brackets, North Carolina simplifies payroll with a flat rate. We start with your gross earnings and subtract:
- Federal Withholding: Based on your W-4 filing status.
- FICA Taxes: Mandatory contributions for Social Security (6.2%) and Medicare (1.45%).
- North Carolina State Tax: Calculated at a flat 4.50% rate on your taxable income.
North Carolina Income Tax Rate (2026)
North Carolina has a straightforward flat income tax system. This makes the North Carolina income tax calculator logic highly predictable.
| Filing Status | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| Single | 4.50% (Flat) |
| Married Filing Jointly | 4.50% (Flat) |
| Head of Household | 4.50% (Flat) |
Note: North Carolina provides a standard deduction (e.g., $12,750 for Single filers) that reduces the taxable income before the 4.5% rate is applied.
Federal Taxes That Apply to Your Paycheck
Federal Income Tax
The IRS imposes a progressive tax ranging from 10% to 37%. Your specific rate depends on your filing status and total taxable income.
Social Security & Medicare (FICA)
Every North Carolina paystub calculator includes FICA. This deducts 6.2% of your gross pay for Social Security (up to the wage limit) and 1.45% for Medicare (on all earnings).
North Carolina Paycheck After Taxes for $60,000 Salary
If you are a single filer in Charlotte or Raleigh earning $60,000 per year, your breakdown looks like this:
| Tax Description | Amount |
|---|---|
| Federal Tax (Est.) | $5,900 |
| FICA (7.65%) | $4,590 |
| State Tax (4.50%) | $2,126 |
| Estimated Take-Home Pay | $47,384 |
Minimum Wage & Cost of Living
North Carolina adheres to the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. The cost of living in North Carolina is generally moderate, though cities like Charlotte and Raleigh are becoming more expensive due to rapid growth.
How to Increase Your Take-Home Pay
To maximize your NC paycheck calculator results, ensure your W-4 form is accurate. Contributing to pre-tax retirement accounts (401k/403b) reduces your taxable income, which lowers both your federal tax and your flat 4.50% state tax liability.
FAQs – North Carolina Paycheck Calculator
What is the North Carolina state income tax rate?
North Carolina uses a flat state income tax rate of 4.50% for all income levels and filing statuses for the 2026 tax year.
Does North Carolina tax overtime pay?
Yes, overtime pay is taxed at the same flat 4.50% rate as regular wages.
Are there local income taxes in North Carolina?
No. North Carolina cities and counties do not levy a local personal income tax on wages.