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Tax year 2026 · state vs state

North Carolina vs Vermont Income Tax Comparison (2026)

On a $75,000 salary (single filer, 2026), you pay $6 less state income tax a year in North Carolina than in Vermont, which is about $1 a month. At $150,000 the gap is $2,137 in favor of North Carolina.

North Carolina: 3.99% flatVermont: up to 8.75%Updated October 10, 2026

Compare North Carolina and Vermont 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.

1North Carolina

Lowest

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

2Vermont

21.2%

Overall effective tax rate

  • Net
  • Federal
  • State
  • FICA
Federal income tax
$7,670
State income tax
$2,490
Payroll tax (FICA)
$5,738
Total tax
$15,897
Net income (annual)
$59,103

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💰 Monthly breakdown

Your take-home pay, spread across the year

North Carolina

Monthly gross$6,250
Monthly tax$1,324
Monthly take-home$4,926

Vermont

Monthly gross$6,250
Monthly tax$1,325
Monthly take-home$4,925

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 Vermont: how the two systems differ

North CarolinaVermont
Wage income taxFlat 3.99%Progressive, 4 brackets
Top rate3.99%8.75%
Lowest rate3.99%3.35%
Deductions and credits (single)$12,750 standard deduction$7,650 standard deduction, $5,300 personal exemption

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.

IncomeNC state taxVT state taxDifferenceNC take-homeVT take-home
$30,000$688$571$117 less in Vermont$25,597$25,714
$40,000$1,087$906$181 less in Vermont$33,233$33,414
$50,000$1,486$1,241$245 less in Vermont$40,869$41,114
$60,000$1,885$1,576$309 less in Vermont$48,505$48,814
$75,000$2,484$2,490$6 less in North Carolina$59,109$59,103
$100,000$3,481$4,140$659 less in North Carolina$75,699$75,040
$150,000$5,476$7,613$2,137 less in North Carolina$108,315$106,178
$250,000$9,466$15,213$5,747 less in North Carolina$173,716$167,969

Single filer, 2026, federal standard deduction. Take-home is after federal, state and payroll tax. No local taxes.

Married filing jointly

IncomeNC state taxVT state taxDifferenceNC take-homeVT take-home
$75,000$1,975$1,645$330 less in Vermont$62,647$62,978
$100,000$2,973$2,482$490 less in Vermont$81,737$82,228
$150,000$4,968$5,509$542 less in North Carolina$118,217$117,676
$250,000$8,958$12,356$3,398 less in North Carolina$188,510$185,112

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 Vermont charge the same state income tax (nothing) up to roughly $15,000 of income. Above that, Vermont is the lower-tax state. The order flips again near $75,000, so the better state depends on where your income falls.

Rates side by side

North Carolina (single filers)

3.99%Over $0

Vermont (single filers)

3.35%Up to $49,400
6.6%$49,401 to $119,700
7.6%$119,701 to $249,700
8.75%Over $249,700

Full details for each state: North Carolina income tax calculator and Vermont income tax calculator. Federal rates are on the 2026 federal tax brackets page.

North Carolina vs Vermont FAQ

Which has lower income tax, North Carolina or Vermont?+

North Carolina is lower at $75,000: $2,484 of state income tax versus $2,490 in Vermont. At $150,000 it is $5,476 in North Carolina and $7,613 in Vermont. For a single filer, North Carolina and Vermont charge the same state income tax (nothing) up to roughly $15,000 of income. Above that, Vermont is the lower-tax state. The order flips again near $75,000, so the better state depends on where your income falls.

How much more do I keep on $100,000 in North Carolina versus Vermont?+

A single filer keeping $75,699 a year in North Carolina would keep $75,040 in Vermont after federal, state and payroll tax. The difference is $659 a year, or $55 a month.

How do the North Carolina and Vermont income tax systems differ?+

North Carolina uses a flat 3.99% rate; Vermont uses progressive rates up to 8.75%. State deductions and exemptions also differ, which changes how much income is taxed.

Are local taxes included in this North Carolina vs Vermont 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 Vermont 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

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.