Back to all countries
🇨🇦

Canada Tax Guide

North America
Updated January 2025
Sources + last updated

This page includes citations to the sources used for this entry. Always verify with official sources before making decisions.

Personal Tax Score
40/100
High Tax
Business Tax Score
62/100
Moderate

Personal Income Tax

Tax Residency

Day Threshold
183 days
Note
183 days or residential ties (home, spouse, dependents)

Income Tax Rates

Top Marginal Rate
33-54.8%%
Structure
Progressive federal 15-33% + provincial 4-21%

Foreign Income Treatment

System
Worldwide
Details
Canadian residents taxed on worldwide income; foreign tax credits available

Investment Income

Capital Gains
0-27%%
Dividends
0-47.74%%
Interest
0-54.8%%

50% inclusion rate; taxed at marginal rates (increasing to 66.67% for gains >$250k from June 2024)


Wealth & Inheritance

Wealth Tax
No - No federal wealth tax; some provincial property taxes
Inheritance Tax
No - No federal inheritance tax; deemed disposition at death

Special Regimes

Principal Residence Exemption
Tax-free capital gains on principal home

Practical Notes

High combined federal/provincial rates vary by province. Ontario and Quebec highest. Capital gains inclusion rate changes effective 2024.

Business & Corporate Tax

Corporate Income Tax

Headline Rate
26.2-31%%
Effective Rate Note
15% federal + 8-16% provincial (varies by province); small business rate 9% on first $500k
Free Zone / Incentives
Various federal and provincial incentives

Withholding Taxes

Dividends
25%
Interest
25%
Royalties
25%

VAT / GST

Rate
5%
Note
5% GST federal; provinces have additional PST or HST (up to 15% total)

Compliance & Substance

Substance Requirements
High - strict requirements
Compliance Friction
High - complex federal/provincial system

Notable Regimes

  • Small business deduction
  • SR&ED tax incentives
  • Federal and provincial incentives

Data Sources

Last updated: January 2025. Always verify with official sources before making decisions.

FAQ

What is the personal income tax rate in Canada?

Canada has a top personal income tax rate of 33-54.8%. The tax structure is: Progressive federal 15-33% + provincial 4-21%. See the detailed breakdown above and verify with official sources.

Do I need to pay tax on foreign income in Canada?

Canada uses a worldwide system for foreign income. Canadian residents taxed on worldwide income; foreign tax credits available

What are the residency requirements for Canada?

Tax residency in Canada generally requires 183 days of physical presence. 183 days or residential ties (home, spouse, dependents). Always verify current rules with official sources.

Is there a wealth tax in Canada?

No, Canada does not have a wealth tax. No federal wealth tax; some provincial property taxes

What is the corporate tax rate in Canada?

The corporate tax rate in Canada is 26.2-31%. 15% federal + 8-16% provincial (varies by province); small business rate 9% on first $500k