Skip to content

Methodology: how we calculate

Reviewed by TakeHomeClear editorial teamUpdated on Methodology

Short answer

We start from gross annual employment income and subtract the employee's CPP contributions (5.95% between the $3,500 basic exemption and the $74,600 YMPE, plus 4% CPP2 up to the $85,000 YAMPE) and EI premiums (1.63% up to $68,900 of insurable earnings), using the 2026 rates published by the CRA.

  • We start from gross annual employment income and subtract the employee's CPP contributions (5.95% between the $3,500 basic exemption and the $74,600 YMPE, plus 4% CPP2 up to the $85,000 YAMPE) and EI premiums (1.63% up to $68,900 of insurable earnings), using the 2026 rates published by the CRA.
  • Taxable income is gross income minus the enhanced CPP contributions (the first additional 1% and all of CPP2), which are deductible. The base CPP contributions (4.95%) and EI premiums are claimed as non-refundable tax credits instead.
  • Federal tax applies the 2026 brackets (14%, 20.5%, 26%, 29% and 33%) and subtracts, at the 14% lowest rate, the basic personal amount (up to $16,452, reduced for net income above $181,440), the Canada employment amount ($1,501), base CPP and EI.
  • Provincial or territorial tax applies the 2026 brackets and basic personal amount of each jurisdiction, with credits at its lowest rate. We include Ontario's surtax, Ontario Health Premium and Ontario tax reduction, the BC tax reduction, Manitoba's basic personal amount phase-out and Yukon's Canada employment amount.
  • We assume a single employee with no dependants, no other income and no deductions such as RRSP contributions or union dues. Small low-income tax reductions in some provinces are not modelled, so below about $30,000 the result can be slightly conservative.
  • The result is the tax owed for the full year, as on the T1 return. Your paycheque withholding is calculated per pay period and can differ slightly; the difference is settled when you file your return.
  • Quebec is not covered: residents file a separate provincial return with Revenu Québec, contribute to the QPP instead of the CPP, pay QPIP premiums and a lower EI rate, and receive the 16.5% federal abatement.
  • We review the parameters whenever the CRA or a province publishes a change (January and July payroll formula editions and provincial budgets).

Official sources