Shoppers will pay more for sales tax in Mecklenburg County

CHARLOTTE, N.C – Shopping, dining and drinking alcohol in Mecklenburg County will now cost you more. The tax rate rises to 8.25% for retail purchases in Mecklenburg County.

According to the City of Charlotte, an average family would pay about $20 more in sales tax monthly, and $240 more annually. If someone spends more they’ll pay more, if they spend less they’ll pay less.

Voters approved the tax last November to create a $19.4 billion fund for transportation. It will be used to improve roads, rails and buses in Mecklenburg County.

This tax also applies to some items at the grocery store like prepared foods, candy, and soft drinks. Our crews even found blueberry almonds were taxed at 8.25%, but lightly salted almonds were taxed at 2%.

Grocery items like eggs, meat, produce, water, prescription drugs and gas will not be taxed.

Check your receipt to know for sure which grocery items are taxed higher.