Self-Employed Tax Calculator
Don't get hit with a giant tax bill in April. Estimate your 2026 net take-home pay today.
Last updated: April 2026
The Self-Employment Tax Reality
In Canada, when you are self-employed, you are both the employer and the employee. This means you are responsible for paying both portions of the Canada Pension Plan (CPP).
The CPP Hike: For 2026, the combined CPP rate is nearly 12%. This can be a major shock for new freelancers who are used to having their employer cover half.
How to use this calculator
- 1Gross Revenue — Everything you billed your clients this year.
- 2Deduct Expenses — Sub-contractors, software, office space, and travel expenses.
- 3Check Take-Home — The results show what's actually yours to keep after the government takes its share.
Formula & example
Net = (Revenue - Expenses) - (Double CPP) - (Income Tax) - (Optional EI)
If you net $100,000, you'll owe ~$8,000 in CPP and ~$20,000+ in income tax. Real take-home is closer to $70,000.
Benefits
Quarterly Budgeting
Know how much to put in your 'Tax Savings' account every month.
Expense Tracking Impact
See how every $100 of business expense saves you ~$40 in taxes.
CPP Clarification
Understand the 'hidden' employer portion you are now responsible for.
Use cases
Side Hustles
Calculate the real profit of your gig work after the tax hit.
Contractor Rate Setting
Use this to determine how much you should charge clients to maintain your desired standard of living.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to pay EI?+
No. Employment Insurance is optional for the self-employed. You only pay if you've opted in to receive special benefits.
When are taxes due?+
Individuals must file by April 30th. Self-employed individuals have until June 15th to file, BUT any tax owing must still be paid by April 30th.