Self-Employed Tax Calculator 2026 (Ontario, BC, Alberta)
Estimate your 2026 federal and provincial income tax plus CPP and CPP2 on freelance or business income, including Ontario surtax and Health Premium, the BC tax reduction and the Alberta 8% bracket.
Same formulas as this page, plus:
- a monthly income and expense log so your estimate updates as the year goes
- a suggested amount to set aside from each payment, and instalment due dates
- every rate on an editable Rates tab with its official source
- blank file + filled example; works in Excel, Google Sheets and LibreOffice
How the estimate works
Net self-employment income (revenue minus expenses) is added to your other income. CPP and CPP2 on self-employment earnings are calculated at the self-employed rates, minus anything already paid through employment. Deductible CPP, RRSP and FHSA amounts reduce taxable income. Federal tax uses the 2026 brackets and credits (basic personal amount, Canada employment amount, CPP and EI credits). Provincial tax adds the rules for your province: Ontario surtax, Ontario tax reduction, LIFT credit and Ontario Health Premium; the BC tax reduction; and Alberta's 2026 brackets.
Quebec resident? Use the Quebec self-employed calculator (QPP, QPIP, FSS).
Frequently asked questions
How much CPP does a self-employed person pay in 2026?
Self-employed people pay both the employee and employer shares: 11.9% of net self-employment earnings between $3,500 and $74,600 (maximum $8,460.90), plus the second additional contribution (CPP2) of 8% on earnings between $74,600 and $85,000 (maximum $832). If you also have employment income, contributions already paid through your job reduce what you owe.
Is the CPP I pay as self-employed deductible?
Partly. The employer half of the base contributions and the enhanced portion are deducted from income (lines 22200 and 22215), and the remaining employee base portion gives a non-refundable tax credit. This estimator applies both.
When is tax due for self-employed income for 2026?
For the 2026 tax year, self-employed individuals have until June 15, 2027 to file, but any balance owing must be paid by April 30, 2027 to avoid interest.
Do I need to pay tax instalments?
You may need to pay quarterly instalments (March 15, June 15, September 15, December 15) if your net tax owing is more than $3,000 in 2026 and in either 2025 or 2024. The CRA sends instalment reminders when they are required.
What is not included in this estimate?
GST/HST, EI special benefits premiums (optional for self-employed people), capital gains, dividends and their credits, pension income, tuition, medical, donations, spousal and other credits, the Canada Workers Benefit and refundable credits. Enter only business profit after expenses.
Which 2026 rates are used?
Federal brackets 14% / 20.5% / 26% / 29% / 33% (the lowest rate is 14% for 2026), federal basic personal amount up to $16,452, and the 2026 provincial brackets and basic personal amounts for Ontario, British Columbia (5.60% lowest rate) and Alberta (new 8% first bracket), as published by the CRA and the provinces.
Sources
- CRA: Canadian income tax rates for individuals
- CRA: CPP contribution rates, maximums and exemptions
- CRA: T4127 Payroll Deductions Formulas (July 2026)
- CRA: Income tax instalments
- Ontario: Low-income Individuals and Families Tax (LIFT) Credit
- BC: Personal income tax rates
- CRA: T4032AB payroll tables, general information
Not tax advice. A simplified estimate for 2026 using rates published as of October 12, 2026, for a single individual with no other credits. Your actual tax depends on your full return. For filing, use certified tax software or a qualified professional.