Financial
What Things are Taxed in Canada?

In Canada, various types of taxes are levied by federal, provincial, and municipal governments. Below is a detailed breakdown of key taxes:
1. Income Taxes
- Personal Income Tax
- Federal: Progressive rates (15% to 33% in 2023) on taxable income. Brackets adjust annually.
- Provincial: Each province sets its own rates (e.g., Ontario: 5.05% to 13.16%).
- Taxable Income: Employment income, business income, rental income, pensions, and investment income (except TFSA/RRSP withdrawals).
- Corporate Income Tax
- Federal Rate: 15% general rate (9% for small businesses on the first $500,000 of active income).
- Provincial Rates: Vary (e.g., 11.5% in Ontario for general corps; lower small business rates).
2. Consumption Taxes
- Goods and Services Tax (GST)/Harmonized Sales Tax (HST)
- GST: 5% federally in Alberta, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and Yukon.
- HST: Combined federal-provincial rates (e.g., 15% in Nova Scotia, 13% in Ontario).
- Exemptions: Basic groceries, prescription drugs, medical devices, and exports.
- Provincial Sales Tax (PST)
- Levied in British Columbia (7%), Saskatchewan (6%), and Manitoba (7%). Quebec’s QST (9.975%) is similar.
- Excise Taxes
- Alcohol/Tobacco: Specific rates (e.g., ~7per200cigarettes;7per200cigarettes;0.30–$1.75 per liter of alcohol).
- Cannabis: $1 per gram or 10% of product price.
- Fuel: Gasoline (~0.14–0.14–0.38 per liter), diesel (~0.17–0.17–0.39 per liter).
3. Property Taxes
- Residential/Commercial Taxes
- Calculated based on municipal assessed property value × mill rate (varies by city).
- Funds local services (e.g., schools, roads).
- Property Transfer Taxes
- Levied on home purchases (e.g., BC: 1–3% on value over $200k; Ontario: 0.5–2.5%).
- First-time buyers may qualify for exemptions.
4. Capital Gains Tax
- Inclusion Rate: 50% of gains are taxable (e.g., 100kgain→100kgain→50k taxed at income rates).
- Exemptions: Principal residence sales are generally tax-free.
5. Dividend Tax
- Eligible Dividends: Grossed-up (e.g., 115%) with tax credits (from corporations taxed at higher rates).
- Non-Eligible Dividends: Lower gross-up (e.g., 110%) and credits.
6. Carbon Pricing
- Federal Backstop: $65/tonne in 2023 (rising annually). Levied on fuel producers, with rebates to households.
- Provincial Systems: Quebec (cap-and-trade), BC (carbon tax).
7. Payroll Taxes
- Canada Pension Plan (CPP): 5.95% each from employer/employee (2023) on income up to $66,600.
- Employment Insurance (EI): 1.63% from employees (up to $61,500 income).
8. Luxury Taxes
- Vehicles/Aircraft/Boats: 10% on cars/planes over 100k;20100k;20250k (federal, introduced 2022).
9. Import Duties and Tariffs
- Customs Duties: Applied to imported goods (rates vary by product and trade agreements, e.g., USMCA).
10. Health Premiums (Provincial)
- Ontario: Up to $900 annually based on income.
- Alberta: Monthly health care insurance premiums (up to $528/year).
11. Estate Taxes
- Deemed Disposition: Assets (except principal residence) are taxed as if sold at fair market value upon death.
12. Municipal Taxes
- Hotel/Airbnb Taxes: Some cities charge tourism levies (e.g., Toronto: 6% Municipal Accommodation Tax).
- Business Taxes: Additional levies on commercial properties.
13. Other Taxes
- Insurance Premiums: Provincial taxes (e.g., Ontario: 8% on auto insurance).
- Fuel Excise Tax: Federal levy of 0.10perliter(temporarilyreducedto0.10perliter(temporarilyreducedto0.06 in 2023).
Key Exemptions/Notes
- TFSA/RRSP: Investment growth and withdrawals are tax-free (TFSA) or deferred (RRSP).
- GST/HST Credits: Rebates for low-to-middle-income households.
This multi-layered tax system funds public services while incorporating progressive elements and incentives. Provincial variations are significant, so location-specific advice is often necessary.
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Nice breakdown of the different tax layers in Canada. It might also be useful to touch on how provinces like Alberta benefit from having no provincial sales tax, which can significantly impact the overall cost of living.