This page explains the data and assumptions behind our calculators so you can judge how well an estimate fits your situation.
Income tax and payroll
- 2026 federal brackets: 14%, 20.5%, 26%, 29% and 33%, with thresholds at $58,523, $117,045, $181,440 and $258,482.
- Provincial brackets and basic personal amounts for all ten provinces, as published for 2026.
- Non-refundable credits included: basic personal amount (with the federal phase-out above $181,440), base CPP/QPP, EI, QPIP and the Canada employment amount ($1,501).
- Enhanced CPP/QPP and CPP2 contributions are treated as deductions, as on the T1 return.
- Ontario surtax, Ontario Health Premium and the Ontario tax reduction are applied. Quebec residents receive the 16.5% federal abatement.
- CPP 5.95% up to $74,600 (exemption $3,500), CPP2 4% up to $85,000; QPP 6.30%; EI 1.63% (1.30% in Quebec) up to $68,900; QPIP 0.43% up to $103,000.
Not included: refundable credits and benefits (GST/HST credit, Canada Child Benefit, Canada Workers Benefit), medical, tuition, childcare or donation credits, and income other than employment income.
Mortgages
Canadian fixed-rate mortgages compound semi-annually, so we convert the posted rate to an effective monthly rate. CMHC premiums of 4.00%, 3.10% and 2.80% apply to down payments under 10%, 15% and 20%. Minimum down payment is 5% of the first $500,000 and 10% of the portion up to $1.5 million; homes of $1.5 million or more need 20%. Affordability uses the stress test (the greater of your rate + 2% or 5.25%) with 39% GDS and 44% TDS limits.
Land transfer taxes
Ontario, City of Toronto (including the 2026 luxury tiers above $3 million), British Columbia, Quebec and Montreal brackets are applied marginally, with first-time buyer rebates where they exist.
Updates and corrections
We review every rate at the start of each year and after budgets. If you spot an error, please tell us.