Canadian Federal Personal Income Tax
Canadian federal personal income tax is calculated based on taxable income, then non-refundable tax credits are deducted to determine the net amount payable. Every taxpayer can earn taxable income of the federal basic personal amount without paying federal tax. See the article on the basic personal amount for details of changes affecting the 2020 and subsequent taxation years.
The basic personal tax credit is calculated by multiplying the tax rate for the lowest tax bracket by the basic personal amount. To see the combined federal and provincial/territorial tax rates, see the tables of Personal Income Tax Rates. These tables also include the marginal tax rates for capital gains, and both types of Canadian dividends. The federal and provincial or territorial personal amount is also shown, and the rate used to calculate non-refundable tax credits.
Provincial or territorial income taxes are paid in addition to the federal taxes, based on where the taxpayer resides on December 31 of the tax year. All provinces and territories except Quebec use the taxable income amount calculated for federal tax purposes, and then apply their own income tax rates. All provinces and territories have most of the same tax credits as the federal tax credits, but usually in different amounts. The provincial or territorial tax rate for the lowest tax bracket is used to calculate the tax amount of most of the provincial tax credit. Quebec is the only province which does not use their lowest tax bracket to calculate most personal tax credits.
TaxTips.ca Resources
How is Personal Income Tax Calculated in Canada?
Personal Income Tax Calculators
Tables of Non-Refundable Personal Tax Credits
Tables of Combined Federal/Provincial Marginal Personal Income Tax Rates
Federal tax brackets and rates
Canada's Underused Housing Tax
Government Programs and Services for Canadians
Government Resources
Canada Revenue Agency home page - English - Français Canada Business - Service for Entrepreneurs - all provinces/territoriesIncome Tax Act and Regulations
Canada Pension Plan and Regulations
Employment Insurance Act and Regulations
Excise Tax Act and Regulations (includes Goods & Services Tax)Old Age Security Act and Regulations
Revised: February 16, 2023