New NC laws in new year alter campaigns, taxes

GARY D. ROBERTSON
Associated Press

RALEIGH, NC (AP) — More than 20 laws take effect in the new year in North Carolina.

Much of the tax overhaul law approved in the summer is implemented starting today. Income tax rates fall for individuals and corporations, while many deductions, exemptions and credits are going away. Standard deductions are growing. The sales tax base is also increasing slightly.

The photo identification requirement to vote approved in 2013 doesn’t begin until 2016 and could still be struck down in court. But people without qualifying IDs can obtain one for free through the Division of Motor Vehicles in the new year. Individuals and political committees will be able to give $5,000 per election to a campaign, up from $4,000.

Plug-in electric vehicle owners also will begin paying another $100 annually at registration time.

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