Canadians pay more income tax than Americans (2024)

With few exceptions, Canadians pay more individual income tax than their American peers.

That’s the finding of a study by the Fraser Institute which has added to the growing chorus of voices calling for a fairer tax system to boost Canadian competitiveness.

“Income taxes are a major attractant—or deterrent—for entrepreneurs, businesses and workers looking to start a business, expand operations or relocate, and at virtually every level of income, Canada’s tax rates are uncompetitive with the US,” said Robert P. Murphy, Fraser Institute senior fellow and co-author of Canada’s Rising Personal Tax Rates and Falling Tax Competitiveness.

How the taxes stack up
At C$50,000 of income: Among all 61 provinces and states in Canada and the US, the highest combined personal income tax rates are in the 10 Canadian provinces, from a high of 37.12% in Quebec to 28.20% in British Columbia.

At $75,000 of income: Eight Canadian provinces are in the top 10, led by Manitoba (37.90%). Ontario ranks 13th highest (29.65%) and B.C. ranks 25th (28.20%).

At $150,000 of income: Again, the 10 highest combined tax rates are in the 10 Canadian provinces, from 41% in Alberta to 50% in Nova Scotia.

At $300,000 of income: Once more, the top 10 highest combined rates at this income level are in the 10 Canadian provinces, ranging from 47% in Alberta to 54% in Nova Scotia.

The rates of course are only part of the equation and many Canadian jurisdictions set the thresholds for each tax band lower than their American counterparts.

So, for example someone with income over C$200,000 in Ontario would pay the province’s combined top tax rate of 53.53% whereas paying the top rate in New York – already lower at 45.82% - would not kick in until income was over U$1 million.

“Competitive personal income tax rates are key to a strong growing economy, and other things being equal, higher personal income taxes deter entrepreneurs, workers, and businesses,” Murphy said. “Policymakers in Canada should evaluate personal income tax rates in Canada with an eye to tax rates paid in neighbouring and competing jurisdictions.”

Canadian taxpayers are also facing greater scrutiny from the CRA with cryptocurrency investments reportedly prompting audits.

Canadians pay more income tax than Americans (1)

Canadians pay more income tax than Americans (2024)

FAQs

Canadians pay more income tax than Americans? ›

According to a new analysis among all 61 provinces and states in Canada and the U.S. by the Fraser Institute, published today (April 9), Canadians earning $150,000 or more will pay a higher rate of income tax than they would in the U.S.

Is income tax higher in Canada or US? ›

At every income level measured in the study, Canadian provinces occupied eight out of the top 10 spots for the highest tax rates. This means that across all income levels, Americans generally face lower personal income tax rates than Canadians.

Why do Canadians pay more tax than Americans? ›

Social benefits: Canada has a universal healthcare system, while the US does not. This means that Canadians pay higher taxes, but they also receive free healthcare. Cost of living: The cost of living in Canada is generally higher than in the US.

Is Canada the highest taxed country in the world? ›

Canada ranked 23rd¹ out of 38 OECD countries in terms of the tax-to-GDP ratio in 2022. In 2022, Canada had a tax-to- GDP ratio of 33.2% compared with the OECD average of 34.0%. In 2021, Canada was also ranked 23rd out of the 38 OECD countries in terms of the tax-to-GDP ratio. 1.

Do Americans living in Canada pay double taxes? ›

One of the key benefits of the treaty is that it helps to prevent double taxation. Individuals and businesses in the US and Canada will not have to pay taxes on the same income. Instead, the country where the US Expat earned the income will be the only one where they pay taxes.

Do Canadians pay 50% of their income in taxes? ›

In Canada, the average single worker faced a net average tax rate of 25.6% in 2022, compared with the OECD average of 24.6%. In other words, in Canada the take-home pay of an average single worker, after tax and benefits, was 74.4% of their gross wage, compared with the OECD average of 75.4%.

Is it better to live in Canada or the US? ›

Canadian air quality tends to be better, and Canadians have a longer life expectancy. Moreover, Canada boasts a high percentage of passport holders, allowing for easy international travel. In contrast, the USA may offer a faster-paced lifestyle, but air pollution is higher, and life expectancy is slightly lower.

What's the highest taxed country in the world? ›

The long-troubled west African country Ivory Coast has the highest income tax rate in the world.

Is Canadian healthcare free? ›

The health system is funded mainly by provincial or territorial general tax revenue with some federal transfers and is free at the point of delivery for citizens. There is no cost-sharing for inpatient or outpatient care and prescription drug prices vary but are still inexpensive.

How much tax do I pay on 100k in Canada? ›

Annual Income Tax by Province/Territory
RegionTotal IncomeAverage Tax Rate
Ontario$100,000.0021.8%
Alberta$100,000.0021.97%
Saskatchewan$100,000.0023.7%
New Brunswick$100,000.0024.82%
9 more rows

Is it cheaper to live in Canada or the US? ›

Overall, Canada is more affordable than the US, but the US has a higher median income. Comparing the cost of living in both countries is tricky because living costs vary dramatically within each city. It's important to consider the hidden costs and savings of public goods and services when comparing costs of living.

What is the average income tax in Canada? ›

The federal income tax rates for Canadian tax brackets in 2023 are: 15% on the first $53,359 plus. 20.50% on income over $53,359 up to $106,717 plus. 26% on income over $106,717 up to $165,430 plus.

Which country pays the least taxes? ›

Among the countries with the lowest tax rates in the world are Malta, Cyprus, Andorra, Montenegro and Singapore. Aside from zero income tax, in Antigua and Barbuda, individuals are also free from paying taxes on wealth, capital gains, and inheritance.

How is US income taxed in Canada? ›

As a Canadian resident, you get taxed on your worldwide income, regardless of where it came from. This means you'll have to declare all foreign and domestic income on your personal tax return.

Can a US citizen retire to Canada? ›

A: Yes, a U.S. citizen can retire in Canada! It's especially easy if you already have a family member who lives there — particularly a child or grandchild — but there are other ways to retire there if you don't.

Are Canadians taxed high? ›

And according to polling data, most Canadians feel their total tax bill—the sum of all taxes Canadians pay including personal income taxes, sales taxes and property taxes—is too high. In 2023 the total tax bill for the average family equaled 46.1 per cent of its income.

Do you pay more taxes the more you earn in Canada? ›

Canada's tax system uses 'marginal' tax rates, which means you pay more tax as your income increases.

Which country has highest income tax? ›

Ivory Coast

The country with beach resorts, rainforests, and a French-colonial legacy levies a massive 60% personal income tax – the highest in the world.

How are Canadian taxes different from US? ›

The biggest difference between the two countries is that the US bases taxation on your citizenship status. This means American citizens must file a U.S. tax return every year, regardless of where they live or work. In Canada, your tax obligations are based on your residency status.

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