Ballot question

Guilford County Local Sales and Use Tax Referendum

On the ballot in: Guilford County
Vote: Yes or no
Election: Nov 3, 2026

The question, as printed on the ballot

Local sales and use tax at the rate of one-fourth of one percent (0.25%) in addition to all other State and local sales and use taxes to be used solely for classroom teacher salary supplements (70%), for fire protection equipment and services (18%), for Guilford Technical Community College (8%), and for qualifying municipalities for allowable expenses (4%).

A “Yes” vote means

Allows Guilford County to levy an extra 0.25% sales tax (25 cents per $100 of taxable purchases): 70% for teacher salary supplements, 18% fire protection, 8% GTCC, 4% qualifying towns.

A “No” vote means

Guilford County could not levy the extra 0.25% sales tax; the combined sales tax rate would stay at 6.75%.

The Board of Commissioners called the referendum on August 6, 2026 under Article 46 of Chapter 105 of the General Statutes. If it passes, the board would consider a resolution levying the tax, with collection beginning in April 2027; the county says the revenue split is set in state law, and groceries, prescriptions, motor vehicles and gasoline are not taxed.

Sources

Referendum Choices List Grouped by Referendum, all counties (November 3, 2026) · North Carolina State Board of Elections
'We will reduce your taxes': Guilford candidate pledges relief as opponent warns about misinformation · Greensboro News & Record
2026 Sales Tax Referendum · Guilford County

The question and plain English statement are copied word for word from official election materials. The Gist does not take a side on ballot questions.