What do Canadian trades actually owe in tax?
Free 2026 tax calculators built for self-employed contractors — not generic freelancers. Federal tax and CPP are the same across the country; your provincial tax isn't. Pick your province to get the real number.
- Ontario contractor tax calculatorIncome tax, CPP and WSIB, with the write-offs a generic tool misses.
- Alberta contractor tax calculatorIncome tax, CPP and WCB-Alberta, with the write-offs a generic tool misses.
- British Columbia contractor tax calculatorIncome tax, CPP and WorkSafeBC, with the write-offs a generic tool misses.
The same everywhere in Canada
Some of this doesn't change by province — it's federal. These guides apply whether you're in Ontario, Alberta or BC:
- The 11.9% CPP surpriseWhy your first year self-employed costs more than you planned.
- The $30,000 HST decisionWhen you must register, and when to do it early on purpose.
- Writing off your work truckCCA Class 10 vs 10.1 — federal, applies nationwide.
- Tools and equipmentClass 12 vs Class 8: the $500 line that changes everything.
Common questions
How much tax does a self-employed contractor pay in Canada?
It depends on your province, because provincial income tax rates differ — but everyone pays the same federal income tax and the same CPP. The self-employed pay both halves of CPP, 11.9% up to the 2026 maximum, which is the single biggest surprise in a contractor's first solo tax bill. Pick your province above for the exact numbers.
How much should I set aside for taxes as a contractor?
A safe rule for most self-employed trades is 25–30% of net income (after expenses), set aside monthly. The per-province calculators give you the exact monthly figure for your numbers.
Do I have to charge HST?
You must register for and charge GST/HST once your gross revenue passes $30,000 over four consecutive calendar quarters. This is a federal rule and applies the same in every province.