North Carolina Paycheck Calculator
Estimate your 2026 North Carolina take-home pay after federal income tax, North Carolina income tax, Social Security and Medicare.
North Carolina has a flat individual income-tax rate of 3.99% for 2026.
North Carolina Paycheck Calculator 2026
The North Carolina Paycheck Calculator estimates take-home pay after federal income tax, North Carolina individual income tax, Social Security and Medicare.
Unlike states with multiple individual income-tax brackets, North Carolina uses a flat individual income-tax rate for 2026.
North Carolina law provides a 3.99% individual income-tax rate for taxable years beginning after 2025, subject to the statutory rate-reduction trigger provisions.
North Carolina Income Tax Rate 2026
| Tax Year | North Carolina Individual Income-Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 4.50% |
| 2025 | 4.25% |
| 2026 | 3.99% |
The North Carolina General Statutes specify a 3.99% rate for taxable years beginning after 2025, subject to the statutory rate-reduction trigger mechanism.
Is North Carolina a Flat-Tax State?
Yes. North Carolina’s individual income tax is structured as a flat tax rather than a traditional graduated system. For 2026, the statutory rate is 3.99%.
Federal Payroll Taxes in 2026
North Carolina employees are also subject to federal Social Security and Medicare taxes.
| Payroll Tax | Employee Rate | 2026 Wage Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Social Security | 6.2% | $184,500 |
| Medicare | 1.45% | No wage limit |
| Additional Medicare | 0.9% | Employer withholding above $200,000 |
The IRS states that the 2026 Social Security wage base is $184,500. The employee Social Security rate is 6.2%. Medicare is 1.45% and has no wage base limit. [oai_citation:2‡Internal Revenue Service](https://www.irs.gov/instructions/i941?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
North Carolina Paycheck Frequency
- Weekly: 52 paychecks per year
- Biweekly: 26 paychecks per year
- Semi-monthly: 24 paychecks per year
- Monthly: 12 paychecks per year
What Can Reduce Your North Carolina Take-Home Pay?
- Federal income-tax withholding
- North Carolina income-tax withholding
- Social Security
- Medicare
- Retirement contributions
- Health insurance premiums
- HSA contributions
- Other employee benefits
- Additional tax withholding
North Carolina Paycheck Calculator FAQ
North Carolina General Statutes, §105-153.7 — individual income-tax rate.
Internal Revenue Service, 2026 Publication 15 — Social Security and Medicare withholding information.
IRS Topic No. 751 — Social Security and Medicare withholding rates and 2026 wage base.
This calculator is for informational and planning purposes only. It is not tax, legal or financial advice and is not an official government calculator. Actual take-home pay may differ because of withholding forms, deductions, credits, retirement contributions, insurance, benefits and employer payroll calculations.