Veterans · Active Duty

North Carolina Military Pension Calculator 2026

BRS and Legacy High-3 pension estimates with North Carolina state tax impact. Free, no sign-up.

State tax treatment

Fully Tax-Exempt

Legacy multiplier

2.5% × YOS

BRS multiplier

2.0% × YOS + TSP match

North Carolina state taxes: North Carolina does not tax military retirement pay — either because the state has no income tax or because military pensions are fully exempt by law. This makes North Carolina one of the most tax-friendly states for military retirees.

Your service details

Takes under 2 minutes · We never store your inputs

Your current completed years

BRS if you joined after Jan 1, 2018 or opted in. Legacy (High-3) if you joined before 2006.

Contribute at least 5% to maximize the government match. Every percent below 5% is free money you're leaving behind.

Minimum 20 years for full pension. Common milestones: 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30.

Tax situation

We never store your inputs.

🎖️

Your retirement income breakdown

Fill in your service details and hit Calculate →

North Carolina Military Retirement Tax Guide

North Carolina does not tax military retirement pay — either because the state has no income tax or because military pensions are fully exempt by law. This makes North Carolina one of the most tax-friendly states for military retirees.

For military retirees choosing where to live, North Carolina's full exemption on military pension income is a significant advantage. On a $40,000/year pension, a 5% state income tax would cost $2,000/year — money that stays in your pocket in North Carolina.

Use the calculator above to model your after-tax retirement income in North Carolina. The calculator accounts for both your pension (BRS or Legacy) and your projected TSP balance so you can see the full retirement picture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is military retirement pay taxed in North Carolina?

North Carolina does not tax military retirement pay — either because the state has no income tax or because military pensions are fully exempt by law. This makes North Carolina one of the most tax-friendly states for military retirees.

What is the difference between BRS and Legacy High-3 for North Carolina retirees?

Legacy High-3 pays 2.5% × years of service × your highest 3-year average base pay, with no TSP matching. BRS pays 2.0% × years × High-3 but includes government TSP matching up to 4%. Both pension types receive the same North Carolina tax treatment.

How much is a 20-year military pension in North Carolina?

A 20-year Legacy pension is 50% of your High-3 base pay. An E-7 at 20 years earns roughly $2,600/month before North Carolina state taxes. BRS would be ~$2,080/month plus TSP. Use the calculator above for your exact pay grade.

Does North Carolina tax TSP withdrawals?

North Carolina generally does not tax retirement income, making TSP withdrawals tax-favorable alongside your pension.

Other state calculators

All states →VirginiaSouth CarolinaTennessee

Free newsletter

Weekly insights for veterans & military families

IRS updates, strategy breakdowns, and new tools — straight to your inbox. Free, no spam.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ~1 email/week.