What is the sales tax rate in Raleigh, NC?

The combined sales tax in Raleigh (Wake County) is 7.25%. That is made up of the 4.75% North Carolina state rate, a 2% local county rate, and a 0.5% transit tax. This tool defaults to 7.25% but lets you override the rate for nearby counties with different local rates.

Are groceries taxed in Raleigh?

Most qualifying unprepared groceries are exempt from the state sales tax in North Carolina but are still subject to a 2% local food tax. Selecting groceries in this tool applies the 2% rate instead of the full 7.25%, matching the NC treatment.

How is prepared food taxed?

Prepared and restaurant food in Wake County is taxed at the full combined rate plus an additional 1% prepared-food tax, reaching about 8.25%. Choosing prepared food in the calculator applies this higher rate.

Does the rate change outside Wake County?

Yes. Other North Carolina counties set their own local rates, so the combined rate can differ from 7.25% just across the county line. If you are buying in an adjacent county, override the rate with that county's combined figure.

Is the result legally binding?

No. It is an estimate using standard published rates. Special districts, tax holidays, and specific product exemptions can change the amount. Confirm with the North Carolina Department of Revenue for authoritative rates.

Raleigh Combined Sales Tax Calculator

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The Raleigh Combined Sales Tax Calculator computes the exact tax on a purchase in Raleigh, North Carolina, where the combined rate in Wake County is 7.25%. That figure stacks the 4.75% state rate, a 2% local rate, and a 0.5% transit tax. The tool also handles North Carolina’s special treatment of groceries and prepared food, so the number you get matches what you will actually pay at the register.

How it works

For general goods the combined rate applies directly:

tax   = price x 7.25%
total = price + tax

North Carolina exempts qualifying unprepared groceries from state tax but applies a 2% local food tax, so selecting groceries swaps in the 2% rate. Prepared food (restaurants, takeout) adds a 1% prepared-food tax on top, reaching about 8.25%. The calculator picks the right rate from the item type you choose and lets you override it for other counties.

Example and notes

A $100 general purchase owes 100 x 0.0725 = $7.25, for a $107.25 total. The same $100 of qualifying groceries owes only the 2% food tax — $2.00 — for $102.00. A $100 restaurant meal at 8.25% owes $8.25. Override the rate field if you are shopping in an adjacent North Carolina county with a different local rate, and remember that occasional tax holidays can suspend the tax on certain items.