CPP and take-home at different incomes
| Net income | CPP | Take-home | Effective rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enter your numbers above to see this table. | |||
2026 figures used
| Item | 2026 |
|---|---|
| Federal rates | 14% to $58,523; 20.5% to $117,045; 26% to $181,440; 29% to $258,482; 33% above |
| Basic personal amount | $16,452 (falls to $14,829 between $181,440 and $258,482) |
| CPP (self-employed) | 11.9% on earnings from $3,500 to $74,600 (max $8,460.90) |
| CPP2 (self-employed) | 8% on earnings from $74,600 to $85,000 (max $832) |
How it's calculated
As a self-employed person you pay both the employee and employer shares of CPP. The "base" part of your own share gives a tax credit; the rest is a deduction.
Worked example
Jordan is a self-employed web designer outside Quebec with $60,000 net income in 2026, and estimates provincial tax at 5% of taxable income.
Jordan keeps about $45,317, or $3,776 a month. CPP is the biggest single cost at this income, more than federal income tax.
What this calculator doesn't cover
- Exact provincial or territorial tax, surtaxes and health premiums. Enter your own estimate.
- Quebec residents, who pay QPP instead of CPP and file a separate Quebec return.
- Employment income, RRSP deductions, other credits, and optional EI for self-employed people.
Frequently asked questions
Why is CPP so high when I'm self-employed?
Employees and employers each pay 5.95%. When you're self-employed you're both, so you pay 11.9% (plus 8% CPP2 on earnings between $74,600 and $85,000 in 2026).
Do I have to pay tax in instalments?
If your net tax owing is over $3,000 ($1,800 in Quebec) this year and in either of the two previous years, yes. Our instalments calculator works it out.
Can I get EI as a self-employed person?
Only if you opt in to the EI special benefits program for self-employed people. It covers things like maternity and sickness benefits, not regular job-loss benefits.
Sources (2026): CRA tax rates and brackets, basic personal amount, CPP rates, CPP2 rates.