North Carolina Paycheck Calculator
Calculate your take-home pay after federal & North Carolina taxes
Updated for 2024 tax year on Feb 14, 2024
Paycheck calculators by state
Paycheck calculator for North Carolina
Overview of North Carolina
North Carolina has a population of over 10 million (2019) and a diverse economy with many different industry sectors. The state also has the oldest State University in the United States, The University of North Carolina. The median household income is $52,752 (2017).
Brief summary:
- the income tax is a flat rate of 4.99%
- no state-level payroll tax
- has standard deduction
Understanding your North Carolina paycheck
If deciphering your North Carolina paycheck makes you feel as if you’re decoding a secret message, fear not! We’re here to help illuminate the mystery behind those all-important deductions and taxes.
First, let’s talk about federal income taxes and FICA taxes. Uncle Sam takes a piece of your hard-earned income through federal income taxes, while FICA taxes cover Social Security and Medicare contributions. It’s worth noting that self-employed individuals pay a higher FICA tax rate due to their dual status as both employer and employee.
Next on our decoding journey is the Form W-4. This document plays a significant role in determining the correct amount of federal income tax to withhold from your paycheck. It’s essential to fill it out accurately and update it whenever you experience significant life changes, such as getting married or having a child.
Speaking of marital status, it can impact the tax withheld from your pay. Pre-tax deductions, such as contributions to retirement funds, can also reduce your taxable income, potentially lowering your tax liability.
As a North Carolinian, you also need to consider state income tax. The state has a flat tax rate of 4.99%, meaning everyone pays the same percentage, regardless of income level.
But there’s a silver lining! North Carolina offers a generous state standard deduction, helping to reduce your taxable income. However, the state no longer provides personal exemptions.
Lastly, let’s explore post-tax deductions. These deductions come from your paycheck after taxes have been calculated, including charitable donations, garnishments, or health insurance premiums.
Calculate your North Carolina paycheck
Calculating your North Carolina state income tax is similar to the steps we listed on our Federal paycheck calculator:
- Determine your gross income
- Annual salary
Annual salary = Gross income - Hourly wage
Hourly wage × Hours worked per day × Days worked per week × Weeks worked per year = Your weekly paycheck
- Annual salary
- Work out your total federal income tax
- Gross income adjusted
Gross income − Pre-tax deductions = Gross income adjusted - Federal taxable income
Gross income adjusted − Federal standard/itemized deductions = Federal taxable income - Federal income tax liability
Federal taxable income × Federal income tax rate = Federal income tax liability - Federal payroll tax liability
Gross income adjusted × Federal payroll tax rate = Federal payroll tax liability
- Gross income adjusted
- Calculate your total North Carolina state income tax
- State taxable income
Gross income adjusted − State standard/itemized deductions = State taxable income - State income tax liability
State taxable income × State income tax rate = State income tax liability
- State taxable income
- Figure out your net pay
Gross income − (Total income tax liability + Total payroll tax liability + Total pre-tax deductions + Total post-tax deductions + Total withholdings) = Your net pay - Divide your net pay by your pay frequency
- Daily
Your net pay / Days worked per week / Weeks worked per year = Your daily paycheck - Weekly
Your net pay / 52 = Your weekly paycheck - Bi-weekly
Your net pay / 26 = Your bi-weekly paycheck - Semi-monthly
Your net pay / 24 = Your semi-monthly paycheck - Monthly
Your net pay / 12 = Your monthly paycheck - Quarterly
Your net pay / 4 = Your quarterly paycheck - Semi-annual
Your net pay / 2 = Your semi-annual paycheck - Annual
Your net pay = Your annual paycheck
- Daily
State payroll tax
There is no state-level payroll tax.
State income tax brackets
Tax year | Filing status | Taxable income | Rate |
---|---|---|---|
2023 | Single Married, Filing Jointly or Widow(er) Married, Filing Separately Head of Household |
Any | 4.75% |
2022 | Single Married, Filing Jointly or Widow(er) Married, Filing Separately Head of Household |
Any | 4.99% |
2021 2020 |
Single Married, Filing Jointly or Widow(er) Married, Filing Separately Head of Household |
Any | 5.25% |
State standard deduction
Tax year | Filing status | Standard deduction amount |
---|---|---|
2023 2022 |
Single Married, Filing Separately |
$12,750 |
Married, Filing Jointly | $25,500 | |
Head of Household | $19,125 | |
2021 | Single Married, Filing Separately |
$10,750 |
Married, Filing Jointly | $21,500 | |
Head of Household | $16,125 | |
2020 | Single Married, Filing Separately |
$10,000 |
Married, Filing Jointly | $20,000 | |
Head of Household | $15,000 |
State exemptions
There is no state-level exemptions.
FAQs
What taxes do North Carolinians pay?
North Carolinians pay a flat income tax rate of 4.99% regardless of filing status.
How much do you make after taxes in North Carolina?
A single filer earning $53,000 will take home $42,555.62 after tax.
A married couple with a combined annual income of $106,000 will take home $85,111.25.
How much taxes are deducted from a $53,000 paycheck in North Carolina?
The total taxes deducted for a single filer are $870.37 monthly or $401.70 bi-weekly.