1Tennessee
Lowest17.9%
Overall effective tax rate
- Net
- Federal
- State
- FICA
- Federal income tax
- $7,670
- State income tax
- $0
- Payroll tax (FICA)
- $5,738
- Total tax
- $13,408
- Net income (annual)
- $61,593
Tax year 2026 · state vs state
North Carolina vs Tennessee Income Tax Comparison (2026)
On a $75,000 salary (single filer, 2026), you pay $2,484 less state income tax a year in Tennessee than in North Carolina, which is about $207 a month. At $150,000 the gap is $5,476 in favor of Tennessee.
North Carolina: 3.99% flatTennessee: no state taxUpdated October 10, 2026
Compare North Carolina and Tennessee for your income
Estimate for education only, not tax advice. 2026 federal and state rules, standard deductions, no local taxes. How we calculate.
State comparison
Comparing 2 states, sorted by lowest overall tax rate.
2North Carolina
21.2%
Overall effective tax rate
- Net
- Federal
- State
- FICA
- Federal income tax
- $7,670
- State income tax
- $2,484
- Payroll tax (FICA)
- $5,738
- Total tax
- $15,891
- Net income (annual)
- $59,109
Advanced analysis (optional)
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💰 Monthly breakdown
Your take-home pay, spread across the year
Tennessee
Monthly gross$6,250
Monthly tax$1,117
Monthly take-home$5,133
North Carolina
Monthly gross$6,250
Monthly tax$1,324
Monthly take-home$4,926
Estimates use 2026 federal and state rates, the standard deduction for your filing status and no local taxes. Rankings use state income tax only.
North Carolina vs Tennessee: how the two systems differ
| North Carolina | Tennessee | |
|---|---|---|
| Wage income tax | Flat 3.99% | No tax on wages |
| Top rate | 3.99% | 0% |
| Lowest rate | 3.99% | 0% |
| Deductions and credits (single) | $12,750 standard deduction | Not applicable |
State income tax and take-home pay at every salary
The same salary can leave you with different take-home pay depending on the state. This table applies each state’s 2026 rules to a single filer with no pre-tax contributions.
| Income | NC state tax | TN state tax | Difference | NC take-home | TN take-home |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $30,000 | $688 | $0 | $688 less in Tennessee | $25,597 | $26,285 |
| $40,000 | $1,087 | $0 | $1,087 less in Tennessee | $33,233 | $34,320 |
| $50,000 | $1,486 | $0 | $1,486 less in Tennessee | $40,869 | $42,355 |
| $60,000 | $1,885 | $0 | $1,885 less in Tennessee | $48,505 | $50,390 |
| $75,000 | $2,484 | $0 | $2,484 less in Tennessee | $59,109 | $61,593 |
| $100,000 | $3,481 | $0 | $3,481 less in Tennessee | $75,699 | $79,180 |
| $150,000 | $5,476 | $0 | $5,476 less in Tennessee | $108,315 | $113,791 |
| $250,000 | $9,466 | $0 | $9,466 less in Tennessee | $173,716 | $183,182 |
Single filer, 2026, federal standard deduction. Take-home is after federal, state and payroll tax. No local taxes.
Married filing jointly
| Income | NC state tax | TN state tax | Difference | NC take-home | TN take-home |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $75,000 | $1,975 | $0 | $1,975 less in Tennessee | $62,647 | $64,623 |
| $100,000 | $2,973 | $0 | $2,973 less in Tennessee | $81,737 | $84,710 |
| $150,000 | $4,968 | $0 | $4,968 less in Tennessee | $118,217 | $123,185 |
| $250,000 | $8,958 | $0 | $8,958 less in Tennessee | $188,510 | $197,468 |
Married filing jointly, 2026, federal standard deduction. Uses each state's joint brackets where they differ.
Does the lower-tax state change as income rises?
For a single filer, North Carolina and Tennessee charge the same state income tax (nothing) up to roughly $15,000 of income. Above that, Tennessee is the lower-tax state.
Rates side by side
North Carolina (single filers)
| 3.99% | Over $0 |
Tennessee (single filers)
Tennessee has no state personal income tax. The old “Hall tax” on interest and dividends was repealed after 2020.
Full details for each state: North Carolina income tax calculator and Tennessee income tax calculator. Federal rates are on the 2026 federal tax brackets page.
North Carolina vs Tennessee FAQ
Which has lower income tax, North Carolina or Tennessee?+
Tennessee is lower at $75,000: $0 of state income tax versus $2,484 in North Carolina. At $150,000 it is $5,476 in North Carolina and $0 in Tennessee. For a single filer, North Carolina and Tennessee charge the same state income tax (nothing) up to roughly $15,000 of income. Above that, Tennessee is the lower-tax state.
How much more do I keep on $100,000 in North Carolina versus Tennessee?+
A single filer keeping $75,699 a year in North Carolina would keep $79,180 in Tennessee after federal, state and payroll tax. The difference is $3,481 a year, or $290 a month.
How do the North Carolina and Tennessee income tax systems differ?+
North Carolina uses a flat 3.99% rate; Tennessee has no tax on wages. State deductions and exemptions also differ, which changes how much income is taxed.
Are local taxes included in this North Carolina vs Tennessee comparison?+
No. It covers federal income tax, Social Security, Medicare and state income tax only. City, county, sales and property taxes are not included, and they can change the real cost of living in each state.
Should I move from North Carolina to Tennessee to save on taxes?+
State income tax is one cost among many. Property and sales taxes, housing, insurance and wages also differ, and you may owe tax to both states in the year you move. Use this comparison as one input and confirm details with a tax professional.
Sources
- Tax Foundation: 2026 state individual income tax rates and brackets
- IRS: Tax inflation adjustments for tax year 2026
Last checked October 10, 2026. Confirm with your state tax agency before filing.
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Estimates for education only, not tax, legal or financial advice. Not a substitute for a tax professional or your state revenue department.