NC allows you to itemize deductions, even if you can't/don't use them in the Federal tax return.
BUT
...since 98% of all possible NC deductions transfer over from whatever you entered in the Federal section, you need to enter all your possible deductions in the Federal section...even if not used there. Then the software will use them in the NC section (that is, whatever NC allows)...but only if they are still larger than the NC Std Ded.
https://www.ncdor.gov/taxes-forms/individual-income-tax/north-carolina-standard-deduction-or-north-c...
____________*Answers are correct to the best of my knowledge when posted, but should not be considered to be legal or official tax advice.*