2026 Tax Tables

North Carolina Payroll Withholding Calculator (2026)

North Carolina completed its final scheduled income tax rate reduction in 2026, dropping from 4.25% to 3.99% as part of the S.B. 105 phased reduction plan. North Carolina eliminated personal exemptions, so only the standard deduction ($13,000 single / $26,000 married) applies before the flat rate. Employees use Form NC-4 to indicate their filing status. The NC Child Deduction may further reduce withholding for employees with qualifying children, though the phase-out calculation is income-dependent.

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State Tax Rate

3.99% flat

State W-4 Form

NC-4

Tax Year

2026

Key Facts

  • Flat 3.99% rate for 2026 (reduced from 4.25% in 2025 — final step in S.B. 105 schedule)
  • Standard deduction: $13,000 single and HoH / $26,000 married filing jointly
  • No personal exemptions — eliminated as part of NC tax reform
  • NC Child Deduction (NC-4 Line 2) may apply for qualifying dependents

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North Carolina Withholding — Frequently Asked Questions

What is the North Carolina income tax rate for 2026?

North Carolina's flat income tax rate is 3.99% for 2026, reduced from 4.25% in 2025. This was the final step in the phased reduction schedule established by S.B. 105.

What is the North Carolina standard deduction for withholding?

The NC standard deduction is $13,000 for single filers and head of household, and $26,000 for married filing jointly. This is subtracted from annualized wages before applying the 3.99% rate.

Does North Carolina have personal exemptions?

No. North Carolina eliminated personal exemptions as part of its tax reform. The only pre-rate deduction in the withholding formula is the standard deduction. Employees with qualifying children may reduce withholding through the NC Child Deduction on Form NC-4.

Does North Carolina use the federal W-4?

No. North Carolina uses its own NC-4 form (Employee's Withholding Allowance Certificate). The filing status on the NC-4 determines which standard deduction amount applies.