How is income tax calculated in Canada?

Canadian income tax is calculated using a progressive tax system with both federal and provincial components. First, your total income is calculated by adding all income sources (employment, self-employment, dividends, capital gains, etc.). Then, deductions like RRSP contributions and union dues are subtracted to get your taxable income. Federal and provincial taxes are calculated separately using tax brackets, then tax credits are applied to reduce the final amount owing. The calculator automatically handles all these steps including CPP, EI, and provincial-specific calculations.

What are tax brackets and how do they work?

Tax brackets are income ranges taxed at different rates. Canada uses a progressive system where you only pay the higher rate on income within that bracket, not on all your income. For example, if you earn $60,000 and the first bracket is $50,000 at 15%, you pay 15% on the first $50,000 and a higher rate only on the remaining $10,000. Both federal and provincial governments have their own bracket systems that combine to determine your total tax owing.

Which province has the lowest taxes in Canada?

Alberta consistently has the lowest provincial income taxes in Canada, with a flat 10% rate on the first $152,354 of income and the highest Basic Personal Amount ($22,481). Among the territories, Nunavut has the lowest rates (4%-11.5%) but with a much higher cost of living. For most Canadians, Alberta offers the best combination of low taxes and reasonable living costs.

Which province has the highest taxes in Canada?

For top earners, Quebec, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador have the highest combined federal-provincial tax rates, all exceeding 50% on income over $250,000. Nova Scotia has the highest provincial rate at 21% for income over $150,000. However, these provinces often offset higher rates with more generous refundable credits for low and middle-income residents.

What is the Basic Personal Amount?

The Basic Personal Amount (BPA) is the income you can earn tax-free before paying any income tax. There are both federal and provincial BPAs that combine to reduce your taxes. For 2025, the federal BPA is up to $16,129, while provincial amounts range from $8,744 (Nova Scotia) to $22,481 (Alberta). Higher BPAs mean lower overall taxes, especially for low and middle-income earners.

What tax credits can I claim in Canada?

Canadian taxpayers can claim numerous federal and provincial tax credits. Federal credits include the Basic Personal Amount, Canada Employment Amount, Age Amount (65+), Pension Income Amount, Disability Tax Credit, Medical Expense Credit, Charitable Donations Credit, and refundable credits like the Canada Workers Benefit and GST/HST Credit. Each province offers additional credits - some provinces provide refundable credits for renters, seniors, low-income workers, children's activities, and more. Our calculator includes all major federal and provincial credits.

What's the difference between a tax credit and a tax deduction?

Tax deductions (like RRSP contributions) reduce your taxable income before tax is calculated, saving you tax at your marginal rate. Tax credits reduce the actual tax you owe after it's calculated. In Canada, most non-refundable credits are worth 15% federally (the lowest tax rate) plus the provincial rate. Refundable credits can result in money back even if you owe no tax. For example, a $1,000 RRSP deduction saves $500 if you're in the 50% tax bracket, while a $1,000 non-refundable credit saves about $150-$250 depending on province.

How do RRSP contributions reduce my taxes?

RRSP contributions reduce your taxable income dollar-for-dollar, which saves you tax at your marginal tax rate. For example, if you're in a 40% combined tax bracket and contribute $10,000 to your RRSP, you'll save approximately $4,000 in taxes. The calculator shows your estimated RRSP tax savings based on your income and province. Remember, you can contribute up to 18% of your previous year's earned income (maximum $32,490 for 2025) plus any unused contribution room.

What is the difference between federal and provincial tax?

Federal tax applies to all Canadians using the same rates and brackets nationwide, while provincial tax varies by province with different rates, brackets, and credits. Both are calculated on the same taxable income but use separate tax bracket systems. For example, someone earning $100,000 in Ontario pays federal tax using federal brackets (14.5%-26%) plus Ontario provincial tax using Ontario brackets (5.05%-11.16%). Quebec is unique - residents receive a Quebec Abatement (16.5% reduction in federal tax) but pay higher provincial rates.

How are dividends taxed in Canada?

Dividends receive preferential tax treatment through the dividend tax credit system. The dividend amount is first "grossed up" (increased by 38% for eligible dividends or 15% for non-eligible), then you claim a tax credit to offset this gross-up and more. This results in lower effective tax rates than employment income at lower income levels. Eligible dividends (from public corporations) receive a larger credit than non-eligible dividends (typically from small private corporations). The calculator automatically handles the gross-up and credit calculations for both federal and provincial taxes.

How are capital gains taxed?

In Canada, only 50% of capital gains are included in taxable income (called the inclusion rate). For example, if you have a $10,000 capital gain, only $5,000 is added to your taxable income. This $5,000 is then taxed at your regular marginal rate. Capital gains benefit from this 50% inclusion rate, making them more tax-efficient than regular employment income. The calculator automatically applies the 50% inclusion rate when you enter capital gains.

What is the difference between eligible and non-eligible dividends?

Eligible dividends come from public corporations or CCPCs (Canadian-Controlled Private Corporations) paying the high corporate tax rate. They are grossed up by 38% and receive a larger dividend tax credit. Non-eligible dividends come from CCPCs earning business income taxed at the small business rate. They are grossed up by 15% and receive a smaller credit. Eligible dividends are more tax-efficient at most income levels. Our calculator handles both types and shows the different tax treatment.

Do I have to pay CPP and EI on all income?

CPP (Canada Pension Plan) and EI (Employment Insurance) only apply to employment income and self-employment income (for CPP), not on investment income, dividends, or capital gains. For 2025, CPP contributions are 5.95% on employment income between $3,500 and $73,300 (maximum $4,055.25), plus 4% CPP2 on income between $73,300 and $83,500 (maximum $408). EI is 1.62% on the first $65,000 (maximum $1,053). Quebec has its own QPP and QPIP systems with different rates. The calculator automatically computes these based on your employment income.

Can I use this calculator for both personal and corporate taxes?

Yes! Our calculator supports both personal and corporate tax calculations. For personal taxes, it handles employment income, self-employment, dividends, capital gains, RRSP contributions, and all major credits. For corporate taxes, it calculates federal and provincial corporate tax for CCPCs (Canadian-Controlled Private Corporations), public corporations, and other corporations, including the small business deduction on active business income up to $500,000.

How accurate is this tax calculator?

Our calculator uses the official 2025 federal and provincial tax rates, brackets, and credit amounts from the Canada Revenue Agency and provincial tax authorities. It includes all major tax calculations including CPP, CPP2, EI, dividend tax credits, capital gains treatment, RRSP deductions, and 45+ federal and provincial tax credits. While highly accurate for most situations, it's designed for estimation purposes. Complex situations involving foreign income, business income with CCA, or specialized credits may require professional tax advice.

Back to Tax Calculator

Nova Scotia Tax Calculator 2025

Calculate your Nova Scotia personal or corporate income taxes with detailed provincial tax breakdowns, including unique credits for volunteers, children's activities, and affordable living.

Essential Information

Start with the basics - add income sources and other details below

Tax Year

Province

Tax Details

Add income sources, deductions, and credits

About Nova Scotia Income Tax

Tax Rates

8.79% - 21%

5 brackets

Basic Personal Amount

$8,744

Tax-free threshold

Tax System

Nova Scotia

Provincial rates

Overview

Nova Scotia has a five-bracket progressive tax system with rates from 8.79% to 21%. While the province has the highest top marginal rate in Canada (21% on income over $150,000), it offers generous refundable credits for volunteers, families with children in sports/arts, and low-income residents.

Combined Federal & Provincial Tax Brackets

Taxable Income Range	Federal Rate	Provincial Rate	Combined Rate
$0 - $29,590	14.50%	8.79%	23.29%
$29,590 - $57,375	14.50%	14.95%	29.45%
$57,375 - $59,180	20.50%	14.95%	35.45%
$59,180 - $93,000	20.50%	16.67%	37.17%
$93,000 - $114,750	20.50%	17.50%	38.00%
$114,750 - $150,000	26.00%	17.50%	43.50%
$150,000 - $177,882	26.00%	21.00%	47.00%
$177,882 - $253,414	29.00%	21.00%	50.00%
$253,414 - ∞	33.00%	21.00%	54.00%

* Combined rates show the total marginal tax rate (federal + provincial) for each income bracket

Federal Tax Brackets (2025)

Income Range	Rate
$0 - $57,375	14.50%
$57,375 - $114,750	20.50%
$114,750 - $177,882	26.00%
$177,882 - $253,414	29.00%
$253,414 - ∞	33.00%

NS Provincial Tax Brackets (2025)

Income Range	Rate
$0 - $29,590	8.79%
$29,590 - $59,180	14.95%
$59,180 - $93,000	16.67%
$93,000 - $150,000	17.50%
$150,000 - ∞	21.00%

How Tax Brackets Work

Tax brackets are progressive, meaning you only pay the higher rate on income within that bracket. For example, if you earn $100,000, you don't pay the highest rate on all your income. Instead, you pay the first bracket rate on the first $57,375, the second bracket rate on income from $57,375 to $114,750, and so on.

Understanding Nova Scotia Tax Brackets

Nova Scotia's 2025 tax brackets: 8.79% up to $29,590; 14.95% from $29,590 to $59,180; 16.67% from $59,180 to $93,000; 17.5% from $93,000 to $150,000; and 21% over $150,000. The highest rate of 21% combined with federal taxes results in one of Canada's highest overall tax burdens for high earners.

Key Nova Scotia Tax Credits

•Nova Scotia Volunteer Firefighter & Search/Rescue Credit (refundable, $500)
•Children's Sports and Arts Credit (refundable, up to $500 per child)
•Affordable Living Tax Credit (refundable)
•NS Poverty Reduction Credit

Provincial Credits Detail

Nova Scotia provides unique refundable credits including the Volunteer Firefighter & Search/Rescue Credit ($500 for qualifying volunteers), Children's Sports and Arts Credit (up to $500 per child for activity expenses), Affordable Living Tax Credit (up to $255 per adult plus $60 per child), and standard credits for age, pension income, and medical expenses.

Tax System Highlights

✓Five tax brackets from 8.79% to 21%
✓Highest top marginal rate (21%) in Canada
✓Generous volunteer firefighter credit ($500)
✓Children's Sports and Arts Credit up to $500 per child
✓Affordable Living Tax Credit for low-income residents

About This Calculator

v1.1Updated: October 2025

Our comprehensive Canadian Tax Calculator provides accurate federal and provincial tax calculations for the 2025 tax year. Whether you're an employee calculating your personal income tax, a business owner evaluating corporate tax strategies, or a financial professional modeling client scenarios, this calculator delivers precise results based on current CRA tax rates and brackets. The calculator supports all Canadian provinces and territories, accounting for their unique tax structures, credits, and deductions. For personal income, it models employment income, self-employment income, investment income (dividends, capital gains, interest), and RRSP contributions. For corporations, it calculates federal and provincial corporate income tax, small business deductions, and the integration with personal dividend income. Understanding your tax obligation is crucial for financial planning, retirement strategy, and making informed decisions about RRSP vs TFSA contributions, salary vs dividend compensation for business owners, and income splitting strategies within families.

Key Features

Calculate personal income tax for all Canadian provinces and territories
Model corporate income tax with small business deduction
Account for dividend tax credits (eligible and non-eligible dividends)
Calculate capital gains tax at 50% inclusion rate
Support for RRSP contribution deductions
Provincial and federal tax bracket analysis
Marginal vs effective tax rate comparison
2025 CRA tax rates and brackets

When to Use This Calculator

Employees estimating their annual income tax and net take-home pay
Self-employed individuals calculating quarterly tax installments
Business owners comparing salary vs dividend compensation strategies
Investors understanding tax implications of investment income
Retirees modeling RRIF withdrawal tax strategies
Financial advisors demonstrating tax-efficient withdrawal strategies for clients

Free to UseCanadian-SpecificNo Registration RequiredReal-Time Calculations

Nova Scotia Tax Calculator 2025

Essential Information

Tax Details

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About Nova Scotia Income Tax

Tax Rates

Basic Personal Amount

Tax System

Overview

Combined Federal & Provincial Tax Brackets

Federal Tax Brackets (2025)

NS Provincial Tax Brackets (2025)

How Tax Brackets Work

Understanding Nova Scotia Tax Brackets

Key Nova Scotia Tax Credits

Provincial Credits Detail

Tax System Highlights

About This Calculator

Key Features

When to Use This Calculator

Nova Scotia Tax Calculator 2025

Essential Information

Tax Details

Income SourcesAt least one income source is required

Tax-Deductible Savings (RRSP/FHSA)

Deductions

Tax Credits

Provincial Tax Credits (NS)

Calculate Family Taxes & Benefits (METR)Calculate combined family taxes and see how benefits (CCB, OAS, GIS) affect your marginal tax rate

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About Nova Scotia Income Tax

Tax Rates

Basic Personal Amount

Tax System

Overview

Combined Federal & Provincial Tax Brackets

Federal Tax Brackets (2025)

NS Provincial Tax Brackets (2025)

How Tax Brackets Work

Understanding Nova Scotia Tax Brackets

Key Nova Scotia Tax Credits

Provincial Credits Detail

Tax System Highlights

About This Calculator

Key Features

When to Use This Calculator