Tax Instalments Calculator (Canada 2026)

Check whether you need to pay tax instalments to the CRA for 2026, and how much to pay each quarter.

Canada, tax year 2026 Free, no sign-up Runs in your browser
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Lowest instalment each quarter

— / quarter
  • Do you need to pay instalments?—
  • Current-year option—
  • Prior-year option—

If you pay less than you end up owing under the current-year option, the CRA can charge instalment interest. The no-calculation option (the amounts on your CRA reminders) avoids that.

2026 instalment schedule

Due dateCurrent-year optionPrior-year option
Enter your numbers above to see this table.

How to use this calculator

  1. Choose where you live. The threshold is lower in Quebec.
  2. Estimate your 2026 net tax owing: federal and provincial tax plus CPP on self-employment income, minus any tax withheld at source. Our self-employed tax calculator can help.
  3. Enter net tax owing for 2025 and 2024 from your notices of assessment.

How it's calculated

Instalments needed if: 2026 net tax owing is over $3,000 ($1,800 in Quebec), AND 2025 OR 2024 net tax owing was also over $3,000 ($1,800 in Quebec) Current-year option = 2026 estimate ÷ 4 Prior-year option = 2025 net tax owing ÷ 4 Due dates = March 15, June 15, September 15, December 15

Worked example

Mei is a freelance translator in Ontario. She expects to owe $12,000 for 2026. She owed $10,000 for 2025 and $8,000 for 2024.

Instalments needed? 12,000 > 3,000 and 10,000 > 3,000 → yes Current-year option = 12,000 ÷ 4 = $3,000 a quarter Prior-year option = 10,000 ÷ 4 = $2,500 a quarter

Mei can pay $2,500 a quarter using the prior-year option and settle the remaining $2,000 by April 30, 2027.

What this calculator doesn't cover

  • The no-calculation option, which uses the amounts on the reminders the CRA sends you.
  • Farmers and fishers, who have a single December 31 instalment.
  • Quebec provincial instalments paid to Revenu Québec.

Frequently asked questions

What is net tax owing?

Broadly, your total federal and provincial tax, plus CPP contributions on self-employment income, minus tax already deducted at source and certain credits.

Which option should I choose?

If this year will be similar to last year, the prior-year option is simple. If your income has dropped, the current-year option may be lower, but you'll pay interest if you underestimate.

When is my 2026 balance due?

Any balance owing for 2026 is due by April 30, 2027, even though self-employed people have until June 15, 2027 to file.

Sources: CRA required tax instalments, options to calculate.

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Disclaimer: results are estimates for planning only and are not tax, legal or financial advice. Rules and rates vary by country, state and personal situation. Check with a qualified accountant before making decisions. Read the full disclaimer.

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