Jul 2, 2025 - News
North Carolina beer taxes rank 6th nationally
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Cracking open a couple of beers this Fourth of July weekend? The taxes on those brewskies could depend on where you live.
By the numbers: North Carolina ranks sixth in the nation for the highest overall state tax on beer at $0.62 per gallon.
- Tennessee (about $1.29 per gallon), Alaska ($1.07) and Hawaii ($0.93) have the highest overall state taxes on beer.
- Wyoming ($0.02), Missouri ($0.06) and Wisconsin ($0.07) have the lowest.
How it works: That's per an analysis by the Tax Foundation, a Washington, D.C.-based think tank.
- The group calculated total state taxes imposed on off-premises sales of 4.7% ABV beer in 12 oz. containers imported from outside the state.
Between the lines: Some states tax beer differently based on its strength, the size of the container, where it's purchased, and other factors.
- Using a standardized unit allows for better cross-state comparisons.