What is the north carolina gas tax 2025 — 41¢/gallon?
In short
North Carolina charges 41¢ per gallon in state gas tax. Drive 15,000 miles a year at 28 MPG and you'll pay around $220/year in state tax alone. North Carolina doesn't set its 41¢/gal rate by hand — it's recalculated each year from a formula, which is why it moves up or down between years.
This page shows North Carolina's current state gas tax (41¢/gal) and works out how much state fuel tax you pay from your annual mileage and MPG. A single statewide motor-fuels excise of 41.0¢ (2026) plus a tiny 0.0025¢/gal inspection tax; there is no state sales tax on gasoline and no county add-on. It excludes the 18.4¢/gal federal excise.
How to use this calculator
- 1North Carolina's 41¢/gal state rate is pre-filled.
- 2Put in your annual mileage.
- 3Enter your vehicle's fuel economy (MPG).
- 4Read your annual gallons used and the North Carolina state gas tax you pay.
The formula
- cents/gallon
- — North Carolina state rate: 41¢ (all-in state-level ≈ 41¢)
- annual gallons
- — Annual miles ÷ MPG
- state tax paid
- — Gallons × state cents ÷ 100
- federal tax
- — 18.4¢/gal — the same in every state
Worked example
The scenario
15,000 miles/year at 28 MPG in North Carolina (41¢/gal).
The result
15,000 ÷ 28 = 536 gallons. State gas tax = 536 × $0.4100 = $220/year. With the federal 18.4¢ that's about $319 of fuel tax for the year.
Common use cases
- Seeing how much of your fuel spending goes to North Carolina gas tax
- Comparing fuel-tax cost between states before relocating
- the rate actually fell year-over-year entering 2025 (40.4¢→40.3¢) before rising to 41.0¢ for 2026
- a minuscule 0.0025¢/gal inspection tax is levied on top of the excise
Limitations & assumptions
- The 18.4¢/gal federal gas tax is not included — combined with North Carolina's state rate it's 59.4¢/gal.
- North Carolina has no local per-gallon gas tax, but a single statewide motor-fuels excise of 41.0¢ (2026) plus a tiny 0.0025¢/gal inspection tax; there is no state sales tax on gasoline and no county add-on.
- Rates change: The rate fell to 40.3¢ on Jan 1, 2025, then rose to 41.0¢ on Jan 1, 2026 under the formula.
- Use it for budgeting — the tax portion is fixed, the rest of the pump price varies.
Frequently asked questions
What is the gas tax in North Carolina?
How much gas tax do I pay per year in North Carolina?
Is North Carolina's gas tax fixed or does it change?
Are there local gas taxes in North Carolina?
Where does North Carolina's gas-tax money go?
Disclaimer: KalkWise calculators are provided for general informational and educational purposes only and do not constitute financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the figures you enter and the assumptions described above. Actual outcomes will vary. Consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions.