Wilmington Sales Tax Guide 2025 (North Carolina)
This 2025 guide to Wilmington sales tax breaks down important sales tax rates, exemptions, and filing deadlines for North Carolina businesses selling in Wilmington or out-of-state businesses selling to customers in Wilmington.
For more general info on North Carolina sales tax, take a look at our 2025 North Carolina Sales Tax Guide.
Wilmington Sales Tax Rate (North Carolina)
In 2025, Wilmington, North Carolina, imposes a combined sales tax rate of 7.00%, comprising state and county taxes. This rate is applicable to the 28401 ZIP code area.
| Tax Component | Rate |
|---|---|
| North Carolina State Tax | 4.75% |
| New Hanover County Tax | 2.25% |
| Total Sales Tax Rate | 7.00% |
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, consider using Kintsugi's sales tax automation platform and integrations or consult the North Carolina Department of Revenue's official website.
To learn more about North Carolina sales tax on clothing, take a look at Kintsugi's easy guide: Understanding North Carolina Sales Tax on Clothing: A Guide for Businesses.
Wilmington NC Sales Tax Calculator
A retailer in Wilmington, North Carolina, sells an item priced at $500. The total sales tax rate is 7.00%, comprising state and county taxes.
A customer purchasing a $500 item in Wilmington would pay $35.00 in sales tax, bringing the final total price to $535.00.
| Tax Type | Rate | Calculation | Tax Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina State Tax | 4.75% | $500 × 4.75% | $23.75 |
| New Hanover County Tax | 2.25% | $500 × 2.25% | $11.25 |
| Total Combined Tax | 7.00% | $23.75 + $11.25 | $35.00 |
| Final Total Price | $500 + $35.00 | $535.00 |
To learn more about North Carolina sales tax on SaaS and digital products, take a look at Kintsugi's easy guide: Is SaaS Taxable in North Carolina? A 2025 Guide for eCommerce Businesses
FAQs
What is the sales tax in Wilmington, NC?
The sales tax rate in Wilmington, NC, including local sales tax, is 7.00%, comprising 4.75% state tax and 2.25% New Hanover County tax.
How do you get a sales permit in North Carolina?
To get a sales tax permit in North Carolina, apply online through the North Carolina Department of Revenue's official website. You'll need business details and may pay a registration fee.
When do I need to complete a sales tax registration in North Carolina?
You must complete a sales tax registration in North Carolina before making taxable sales or providing taxable services, as compliance with this regulation is mandatory. Apply through the North Carolina Department of Revenue as part of the destination-based sales tax system, which relies on zip codes to determine the applicable local sales tax rates.
What is the sales tax nexus threshold in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, the economic nexus threshold is $100,000 in gross sales or 200 separate transactions in the state within the previous or current calendar year. Businesses exceeding this must collect and remit sales tax.
Is North Carolina part of the Streamlined Sales Tax (SST) program?
Yes, North Carolina is part of the Streamlined Sales Tax (SST) program, which simplifies sales tax compliance for businesses operating in multiple states.
What is considered "tangible personal property” in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, tangible personal property includes physical items that can be seen, weighed, measured, or touched, such as furniture, electronics, clothing, and appliances. Digital goods and some services may also be taxable.
How much is sales tax in Wilmington, NC?
The sales tax rate in Wilmington, NC, is 7.00%, which includes 4.75% state tax and 2.25% New Hanover County tax.
When do I need to file sales tax returns in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, sales tax returns are due monthly, quarterly, or annually, depending on your sales volume, and may be influenced by recent tax changes. Monthly returns are due by the 20th of the following month.
To learn more about North Carolina sales tax exemptions, take a look at Kintsugi's easy guide: North Carolina Sales and Use Tax Exemption: A Guide for Businesses.
Wilmington Sales Tax Filing Steps
Who Needs to Collect Sales Tax in Wilmington?
Sales tax collection in Wilmington is required for businesses that meet the following criteria:
1. Physical Presence: Businesses with a store, office, warehouse, or employee in Wilmington.
2. Economic Nexus: Out-of-state businesses exceeding $100,000 in North Carolina.
Not sure if your business meets these criteria? Kintsugi’s Nexus Analysis Tool can help you determine your sales tax obligations.
What Is Taxable in Wilmington?
In Wilmington, North Carolina, sales tax applies to:
1. Tangible personal property (e.g., electronics, clothing, furniture).
2. Certain services.
There are also exemptions for items like Grocery Food, Leases and Rentals Motor Vehicles, Raw Materials, Utilities & Fuel, Medical Devices, General Occasional Sales, Motor Vehicles Occasional Sales, Parts Purchased for Use in Performing Service Under Optional Maintenance Contracts. Ensure you check with your state’s tax authority or consult Kintsugi for clarity.
How to File Sales Tax in Wilmington
Here’s a step-by-step guide for filing your sales tax returns:
1. Register Your Business: Get a sales tax permit through the https://www.ncdor.gov/taxes-forms/sales-and-use-tax.
2. Collect Sales Tax: Accurately calculate sales tax on taxable transactions.
3. File and Pay: Submit sales tax returns through https://www.ncdor.gov/taxes-forms/sales-and-use-tax by the [state-specific deadline]—monthly, quarterly, or annually depending on your sales volume.
Kintsugi’s Automated Filing Service streamlines the process, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
Common Challenges in Sales Tax Compliance
Businesses in Wilmington often face these issues:
1. Tracking tax rate changes for city, county, and special districts.
2. Managing exemptions and resale certificates.
3. Reconciling returns for accurate filing.
Kintsugi’s AI-Driven Compliance Solution takes the guesswork out of sales tax, handling rate calculations, exemption management, and filing across all jurisdictions.
Why Choose Kintsugi for Sales Tax Compliance?
Kintsugi is more than a software solution—we’re your trusted partner in sales tax compliance. Here’s how we help:
1. Real-Time Rate Calculation across billing, payments, and e-commerce platforms.
2. Nexus Tracking to identify where you need to register and collect tax.
3. Automated Filing to save time and reduce errors.
4. Audit Support to give you peace of mind.
A direct-to-consumer brand, recovered over $200K in overpaid sales tax within their first month of switching to Kintsugi. Your business could be next.
Ready to Simplify Sales Tax Compliance in Wilmington?
With Kintsugi, managing sales tax is effortless. Whether you're just starting out or scaling across multiple states, we have the tools to help you stay compliant and grow with confidence.
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Find Sales Tax Information for Other Cities in North Carolina
Looking for sales tax rates and compliance details for other cities in North Carolina? Check out our comprehensive table of sales tax information for cities across the state in the table below
| City | Sales tax rate |
|---|---|
| Roseboro | 7.00% |
| Rowland | 7.00% |
| Saint Pauls | 7.00% |
| Salemburg | 7.00% |
| Shannon | 7.00% |
| Southern Pines | 7.00% |
| Spring Lake | 7.00% |
| Stedman | 7.00% |
| Tar Heel | 6.75% |
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