Self-Employed Tax Calculator
See what you'll actually owe as a self-employed Canadian — income tax plus CPP on both halves — and what's left after. Enter your pay as an hourly, weekly, monthly or yearly rate, pick your province and the year.
This is for people who already work for themselves — freelancers, contractors, sole proprietors, gig workers — and know their net income after expenses. It isn't a basic employee tax tool.
On a regular T4 salary, or just getting started? Use the income tax calculator instead →
After business expenses, before tax.
Self-employed taxes have more moving parts — CPP, GST, instalments, expenses. We'll get them right and tell you exactly where you stand, for free.
Book a Free Consultation — 15 minEstimates income tax + CPP only. The tax is figured after the CPP deduction self-employed people can claim (the employer half plus the enhanced part). It doesn't include EI (optional if you're self-employed), GST/HST, business expenses, or other credits — so your real number can still differ.
Why self-employed tax is different
As a self-employed person you pay income tax on your net business income — the same federal and provincial brackets as anyone else. The difference is CPP: with no employer to split it, you pay both halves yourself. That's 11.9% on income between $3,500 and the year's maximum ($71,300 in 2025), plus the newer CPP2 on income above that. It's the part that catches most people off guard.
You don't automatically pay EI — for the self-employed it's opt-in and only covers special benefits. Two other things usually follow once you're established: registering for GST/HST once you bill more than $30,000, and paying tax in instalments through the year rather than one lump sum at filing. This tool estimates the income tax and CPP; the rest is where a quick conversation saves you money and surprises.
FAQ
Because you cover both halves. An employee and their employer each pay about 5.95%; with no employer, a self-employed person pays the full 11.9% (plus CPP2 above the year's maximum). It isn't a penalty — it builds the same CPP retirement benefit.
Not by default. EI for the self-employed is opt-in and only covers special benefits like parental or sickness leave. This estimate leaves it out, which is why the take-home here may be slightly higher than if you had registered for EI.
No — GST/HST is separate from income tax and CPP. Once you bill more than $30,000 you generally have to register and charge it. Use our GST registration tool to see where you stand.
No — it estimates income tax and CPP on the income you enter. Your real number shifts with business expenses, deductions, instalments you've already paid, and credits. When it matters, talk to us.
Self-employed and want the real number?
Book a free call. We'll handle income tax, CPP, GST and instalments together, claim every expense you're entitled to, and make sure nothing catches you off guard.
Book a Free Consultation — 15 min