A new year is here, meaning new taxes are hitting North Carolina residents.

The state’s gas tax increased by 2 cents from 38.5 cents to 40.5 cents. This new number takes into account the increase in population and inflation.

The gas tax in North Carolina is the state’s largest funding source for road projects. As construction costs climbed year-over-year, the state felt the need to increase the gas tax in order to keep up with the state’s aging infrastructure. For drivers who fill up a 15-gallon tank a week, this could mean $15 to $20 extra a year.

In 2022, unleaded gas prices in North Carolina skyrocketed in June to $4.67 a gallon. The average has cooled off since then, coming in under $3 a gallon at the end of 2022.

Well this new year we have new ways to Watch your money North Carolinians can Expect to see a jump in gas prices Thanks to the state's gas tax increasing But on the other hand the state's Individual income tax has decreased WCNC Charlotte's Colin Mayfield breaks it all Down for us tonight so you're not left Asking where's the money North Carolina's gas tax is up two cents Since the New Year hit up from 38.5 Cents to 40.5 cents after a steady Decline in gas prices North Carolinians Will see an increase which means Thinking outside the box when running Around town it might be as simple as Saying okay maybe we do our grocery runs You know twice a week instead of every Time we run out of milk it might mean That you know we don't just drop off Something at the post office we wait Until we have something else to go drop It off so this increased tax this year Means drivers filling up a 15 gallon Tank once a week could spend 15 to 20 Dollars more this year than last year What I would suggest in 2023 is you add An extra dollar or two to your uh budget For gas every week and that should make Up the difference although it might be a Pain to your pocketbook the state uses The gas tax as the main funding source For road projects but it's not all bad News North Carolina is still one of the

Best states in the country for Individual income tax and that didn't Change in 2023 in fact state income tax Is now 4.75 percent and cuts will Continue until 2027 until it hits 3.99 Percent A couple of years at 0.25.5 doesn't Sound like a lot to people but if you're For example making fifty thousand Dollars a year that's an extra couple Hundred bucks you could potentially be Getting back it's a flat rate which Means regardless of income everyone pays At the same rate with inflation still Holding strong the money you save here Could help offset the higher costs as Seem to be going nowhere soon use that Money from your lower taxes to offset Some of the higher things that you're Going to see in 2023. Colin Mayfield WCNC Charlotte

Charlotte North Carolina – A Great Place to Live

Charlotte, North Carolina is a great place to live. The city has plenty to offer, from its four distinct seasons to its diverse culture and diverse festivals.

The city’s central business district is Uptown. This area hosts a variety of restaurants and museums. It’s also home to the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

Other attractions in Charlotte include ImaginOn, which is a library for teenagers. Also, Discovery Place is an educational and fun attraction. It features hands-on science displays, a butterfly pavilion and more.

Another great attraction in Charlotte is the Belk Theater at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center. You can catch shows such as Opera Carolina.

If you’re looking for a great spot for a meal, Sea Level NC is a fantastic restaurant. They serve seafood dishes like catfish Reuben and mussels.

For a day of family fun, visit Discovery Place. They have two deluxe theaters, a Makerspace and two libraries. Their Children’s Theatre of Charlotte is also a must-see.

In addition to being a fun destination, the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden is also a great place to visit. There are over 360 acres of gardens and a woodland trail.

One of the biggest sports teams in Charlotte is the Carolina Panthers. Other teams include the UNC Charlotte 49ers and the University of South Carolina Gamecocks.

The city also hosts the Wachovia Golf Tournament. Festival in the Park is another popular event in the fall. During the festival, you can find live music, local food, and arts and crafts.