Home / Doing Business in Canada / Payroll Taxes

Payroll Taxes

Back to main page

1. FEDERAL EMPLOYMENT INSURANCE AND FEDERAL CANADA PENSION PLAN 

Employers in Canada are required to pay Canada Pension Plan contributions and Employment Insurance premiums to the CRA. These payments are calculated as a percentage of payroll, subject to yearly maximums. Employees are also required to pay Canada Pension Plan contributions and Employment Insurance premiums. The employer is required to withhold the employee contributions/premiums from the employee’s salary and remit these to the CRA together with the employer contributions/premiums. 

In certain cases, contributions to these plans may not be necessary. If there is a social security agreement between Canada and non-resident employee’s home jurisdiction, there may be no Canada Pension Plan contributions required. In some cases, the non-resident employee will need to obtain a certificate evidencing social security coverage in their home jurisdiction. 

2. PROVINCIAL PAYROLL TAXES 

Certain provinces also impose payroll taxes or premiums. For example, Ontario imposes an Employer Health Tax based on the employer’s payroll and the employer may be required to pay premiums to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board. 

Disclaimer

This publication is provided as an information service and may include items reported from other sources. We do not warrant its accuracy. This information is not meant as legal opinion or advice.

Miller Thomson LLP uses your contact information to send you information electronically on legal topics, seminars, and firm events that may be of interest to you. If you have any questions about our information practices or obligations under Canada’s anti-spam laws, please contact us at [email protected].

© 2024 Miller Thomson LLP. This publication may be reproduced and distributed in its entirety provided no alterations are made to the form or content. Any other form of reproduction or distribution requires the prior written consent of Miller Thomson LLP which may be requested by contacting [email protected].