What income is considered taxable in Canada?
Most types of income are taxable, including salaries, wages, business and freelance income, rental and investment income, capital gains, pensions, and certain benefits. The CRA taxes residents on worldwide income and non-residents on Canadian-sourced income.
How can I reduce my taxable income in Canada?
Use RRSP contributions, eligible deductions (like childcare or business expenses), and claim all available credits to reduce your overall tax bill.
How do Canadian tax rates compare to U.S. rates?
Canada uses a progressive system with territorial income taxes layered on top of federal ones. Depending on your province and income level, your total tax bill may be higher—but also offset by different credits and social benefits. A good tax calculator (or a great tax advisor) can help you estimate your combined liability.
Interesting food for thought given the new budget. Anecdotally, I'm running into more and more people who are offering "cash rates" for services and it got me thinking. Somebody who makes $80k under the table (anything from music lessons, home renovations, etc) not only pays no income tax, but also qualifies for max government transfers that boost their take home to the neighbourhood of somebody who makes $140k on a T4.
At what point do middle class worker bees opt out en masse to boost their incomes?