The tax increase was approved by voters during a countywide referendum on Nov. 4, 2025. County leaders say the additional revenue will help fund transportation projects, including road improvements and transit expansion.
Starting Tuesday, the new 8.25% combined sales tax rate will apply to most purchases of tangible personal property, certain digital products, and other transactions already subject to North Carolina sales tax.
The new tax rate is made up of:
- State tax: 4.75%
- County tax: 2.00%
- Transit tax: 0.50%
- New additional county tax: 1.00%
- Total sales tax: 8.25%
The additional 1% tax does not apply to several items that are already taxed at special rates, including qualifying food, aircraft, boats, manufactured and modular homes, electricity, piped natural gas, telecommunications services, aviation fuel, video programming, and spirituous liquor…