Canadian personal tax,
without the jargon.
Straight answers to the questions Canadians actually type into Google — brackets, deadlines, RRSP room, what you can claim — updated for the rules in force for 2026, with the 2025 numbers alongside for comparison.
Start with the question you actually have
The eight things people search most often, answered in a paragraph — then in detail if you want it.
April 30, 2027 for most people. Self-employed get until June 15 to file — but any balance owing is still due April 30.
Your bracket is the rate on your next dollar, not on all of it. Federal brackets start at 14% and top out at 33%.
Roughly: RRSP when your income is high now and lower in retirement; TFSA when it isn't, or when you may need the money back.
Usually about two weeks when you file online with direct deposit, longer on paper or if your return is picked for review.
Most missed by employees: medical expenses, moving costs, union dues, tuition, childcare, and donations pooled with a spouse.
A common rule of thumb is 25–30% of net self-employment income, because you owe both halves of CPP on top of income tax.
A review letter is not an audit. Send exactly what's asked, by the date given, and keep a copy of everything you upload.
File anyway. The late-filing penalty is far more expensive than interest — and you can arrange payments after filing.
Only the slice inside a bracket is taxed at that rate
Earning one dollar into the 26% bracket does not tax your whole income at 26%. It taxes that one dollar. Ontario tax is then calculated separately on the same income and added on top.
See all 2026 brackets, federal + Ontario →Bar length is illustrative. Ontario's own five brackets run 5.05% to 13.16%, plus surtax and health premium.
Put your own numbers in
Three calculators using the 2026 federal and Ontario rates. Nothing you type leaves your browser.
Federal and Ontario tax, CPP, CPP2 and EI on an Ontario salary — with your marginal and average rate.
How much room you have for 2026, and roughly what a contribution gives back at your marginal rate.
Ten questions that surface the credits and deductions people in your situation most often miss.
The dates that matter for your 2026 return
Full calendar →Topic guides
Eight guides covering what people ask most. Read the one that applies to you.