North Carolina Retirement Tax Friendliness

North Carolina Retirement Taxes

From the Outer Banks to the Smoky Mountains, there are many wonderful places in North Carolina to settle down for your retirement. Whether you prefer sitting on the beach, hitting the links or exploring nature, there will be plenty of opportunities to do what you love in the Tar Heel State.

While North Carolina’s retirement taxes aren’t quite as low as several other southeastern states, many retirees will find them acceptable. North Carolina exempts all Social Security retirement benefits from income taxes. Other forms of retirement income are taxed at the North Carolina flat income tax rate of 4.75%. Other taxes seniors and retirees in North Carolina may have to pay include the state’s sales and property taxes, both of which are moderate.

A financial advisor can help you plan for retirement and other financial goals. Finding a financial advisor doesn't have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can have a free introductory call with your advisor matches to decide which one you feel is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.

Is North Carolina tax-friendly for retirees?

North Carolina is moderately tax-friendly for retirees. It does not tax Social Security retirement benefits. The state also has low property taxes and sales taxes near the national average. Seniors with significant income from sources other than Social Security could have a larger tax bill in North Carolina. The state taxes other forms of retirement income as regular, non-deductible income.

Is Social Security taxable in North Carolina?

All Social Security retirement income can be subtracted from your taxable income when you file your North Carolina income tax return.

Are other forms of retirement income taxable in North Carolina?

Most standard 401(k), IRA and other retirement account income is taxed at North Carolina's state income tax rate of 4.75%. There are some exceptions to this rule, though.

For instance, the state's "Bailey exemption" allows those with income from either a federal government retirement plan or designated North Carolina state/local government retirement plans to exempt all of their income from state taxes, so long as they had at least five years of creditable service as of Aug. 12, 1989. Also, if you served in the U.S. military for at least 20 years, North Carolina will not tax your military pension.

Unlike many other states, North Carolina does not allow deductions on any type of retirement income. However, the North Carolina standard deduction is fairly large. It is $12,750 for single filers, $25,500 for joint-filers and $19,125 for heads of household.

How high are property taxes in North Carolina?

North Carolina has relatively low property taxes. The state’s average effective property tax rate is 0.80%. This means that, on average, homeowners can expect to pay about $800 annually for every $100,000 in home value.

Low property taxes are one reason housing costs in North Carolina are below national averages. That also contributes to North Carolina’s generally low cost of living.

What is the North Carolina low-income homestead exclusion?

Homeowners who are at least 65 with a household income of no more than $33,800 can claim the North Carolina low-income homestead exclusion. The exclusion is subtracted from taxable value and is equal to either $25,000 or 50% of taxable value, whichever is greater. For eligible seniors, this can mean hundreds in property tax savings every year.

Senior homeowners whose income is no more than $50,700 may also qualify for a property tax deferral via the Circuit Breaker Tax Deferment Program. This does not reduce property taxes, but instead defers payment of taxes owed until a later time, typically when the home is sold.

How high are sales taxes in North Carolina?

North Carolina’s total state and average local sales tax rate is 6.98%. This ranks barely in the bottom half of all states, meaning it's very close to average. In most counties, the total rate is either 6.75% or 7.50%. Chapel Hill, and Durham County have the highest rate of 7.50%. The state sales tax rate is 4.75%.

Unlike many states, North Carolina taxes groceries, albeit at a reduced rate. The rate on most food is 2%. Prescription drugs are fully exempt from the sales tax.

What other North Carolina taxes should I be concerned about?

North Carolina eliminated its estate tax in 2014, so seniors who are planning on leaving wealth or property for their loved ones don’t need to worry about that.

Retirees with investment income outside of a retirement account should be aware that capital gains in North Carolina are treated as regular income. Therefore, they are taxed at the state rate of 4.75%.