Provincial Tax Rates: Which Province is the Lowest (2024)

Written By

Rachel Surman

Reviewed By

Clay Shiffman

As the old saying goes, nothing in life is certain except death and taxes (perhaps a more modern version could include laundry and rising interest rates!) All kidding aside, the statement rings true for Canadians, who must pay both provincial and federal taxes.

While taxes may be unavoidable, it's helpful to know which Canadian provinces and territories have the lowest taxes so you can make an informed choice about where to live and conduct business. In this article, we provide a guide to help you understand Canada's income tax rates, and we'll break down the top 5 Canadian provinces with the lowest taxes.

Which Canadian province has the lowest taxes?

Alberta has the lowest taxes out of all the Canadian provinces. Alberta has the lowest taxes for a few reasons, one being that Alberta has the highest basic personal amounts in Canada. Alberta's basic personal amount is $19,369, and in comparison, the federal basic amount is $14,398. So, if you live in Alberta, you'd only be taxed on your income when you make more than $19,369.

Another contributing factor is that Alberta doesn't have a provincial sales tax. This means that residents and businesses don't pay an additional tax on top of the federal goods and services (GST) tax of 5%. Can you hear the mountains calling?

What are the marginal tax rates in Canada?

The marginal tax rate is the total income tax each Canadian pays and combines the provincial and federal income tax rates. Since the general income tax is the same across the country, your income tax depends on the province or territory you live in. So, the more money you make in Canada, the more you will be taxed based on your tax bracket.

Canada's tax structure was designed to alleviate taxes on Canadians with low income, and taxes are used to better the services and infrastructure in the country.

Federal tax rates

Federal marginal tax rates in Canada for individuals in 2022 are:

  • 15% on the first $50,197 of taxable income

  • 20.5% on taxable income between $50,197 and $100,392

  • 26% on taxable income between $100,392 and $155,625

  • 29% on taxable income between $155,625 and $221,708

  • 33% on any taxable income over $221,708

Provincial and territorial tax brackets and rates

Provincial and territorial tax brackets and the rates that apply to each bracket significantly differ depending on where you live. Here is a brief guide to the income tax rates in each region.

Province or territory 2022 income tax rates
Alberta 10% on the first $131,220 of taxable income, +
12% on the next $26,244, +
13% on the next $52,488, +
14% on the next $104,976, +
15% on the amount over $314,928
British Columbia 5.06% on the first $43,070 of taxable income, +
7.7% on the next $43,071, +
10.5% on the next $12,760, +
12.29% on the next $21,193, +
14.7% on the next $42,738, +
16.8% on the next $64,259, +
20.5% on the amount over $227,090
Manitoba 10.8% on the first $34,431 of taxable income, +
12.75% on the next $39,985, +
17.4% on the amount over $74,716
New Brunswick 9.40% on the first $44,887 of taxable income, +
14.82% on the next $44,888, +
16.52% on the next $56,180, +
17.84% on the next $20,325, +
20.3% on the amount over $166,280
Newfoundland and Labrador 8.7% on the first $39,147 of taxable income, +
14.5% on the next $39,147, +
15.8% on the next $61,486, +
17.8% on the next $55,913, +
19.8% on the next $54,307, +
20.8% on the next $250,000, +
21.3% on the next $500,000, +
21.8% on the amount over $1,000,000
Northwest Territories 5.9% on the first $45,462 of taxable income, +
8.6% on the next $45,465, +
12.2% on the next $56,899, +
14.05% on the amount over $147,826
Nova Scotia 8.79% on the first $29,590 of taxable income, +
14.95% on the next $29,590, +
16.67% on the next $33,820, +
17.5% on the next $57,000, +
21% on the amount over $150,000
Nunavut 4% on the first $47,862 of taxable income, +
7% on the next $47,862, +
9% on the next $59,901, +
11.5% on the amount over $155,625
Ontario 5.05% on the first $46,226 of taxable income, +
9.15% on the next $46,228, +
11.16% on the next $57,546, +
12.16% on the next $70,000, +
13.16% on the amount over $220,000
Prince Edward Island 9.8% on the first $31,984 of taxable income, +13.8% on the next $31,985, +16.7% on the amount over $63,969
Quebec 15% on the first $46,295 of taxable income, +
20% on the next $46,285, +
24% on the next $20,075, +
25.75% on the amount over $112,655
Saskatchewan 10.5% on the first $46,773 of taxable income, +
12.5% on the next $86,865, +
14.5% on the amount over $133,638
Yukon 6.4% on the first $50,197 of taxable income, +
9% on the next $50,195, +
10.9% on the next $55,233, +
12.8% on the next $344,375, +
15% on the amount over $500,000

What are the top 5 provinces and territories with the lowest tax rates?

With tax season on the horizon, you may be wondering which provinces and territories have the lowest income tax rates. Here are the top 5.

Alberta

Alberta is the fourth-most populated province, with 4.5 million people calling it home as of 2022, and about 1.6 million live in Calgary. In 2020, the median after-tax income of families and unattached individuals was $77,700, according to Statistics Canada.

Northwest Territories

The Northwest Territories has a small population of an estimated 45,000, with about half of that living in the capital city of Yellowknife. In 2019, families and unattached individuals living in the Northwest Territories had an average after-tax income of $93,200.

Nunavut

Nunavut is another territory with a very small population of just under 40,000. Iqaluit is the capital city, with just under 8,000 residents. In 2019, Statistics Canada reported that families and unattached individuals living in Nunavut had an average after-tax income of $93,800.

Yukon

The Yukon is a territory with a population of about 45,000, with about 25,000 living in the capital city of Whitehorse. In 2019, the same report from Statistics Canada found that the average after-tax income of families and unattached individuals was $77,800.

Saskatchewan

The province of Saskatchewan has a population of 1.2 million people. About 230,000 people live in the capital city of Regina, and Saskatoon, another large city, has an estimated population of 300,000. In 2020, the median after-tax income of families and unattached individuals was $67,700, according to Statistics Canada.

Which Canadian province has the highest income tax rate?

Quebec has the highest income tax rate out of all the provinces and territories. Quebec is Canada's second most populated province, with a population of about 8.5 million, and French is the predominantly spoken language.

Taxes are higher in Quebec because of the province's unique differences and the social services that it offers. Quebec's provincial government finances services like education, community health clinics, and childcare and invests heavily in the arts and culture sector.

Which province should I be taxed in?

If you're planning to move after reading this article, you may be wondering what province you'll be taxed in if you move. Your provincial income tax depends on where you live at the end of the tax year, which in general, is December 31st.

Questions about tax season? Check out our guide to everything you need to know about tax season in Canada.

Note: KOHO product information and/or features may have been updated since this blog post was published. Please refer to our KOHO Plans page for our most up to date account information!

Provincial Tax Rates: Which Province is the Lowest (2024)

FAQs

Which province has the lowest provincial tax? ›

The Province with the Lowest Taxes
  • Income Tax: Alberta has a progressive income tax system with rates ranging from 10% to 15%, depending on the income level. ...
  • Sales Tax: Alberta does not have a provincial sales tax, making it the only province without one.
Apr 24, 2023

What is the state with the lowest taxes? ›

In 2020, the average American contributed 8.9% percent of their income in state taxes. Alaska had the lowest average overall tax burden – measured as total individual taxes paid divided by total personal income – at 5.4%, followed by Tennessee (6.3%), New Hampshire (6.4%), Wyoming (6.6%) and Florida (6.7%).

What is the lowest tax rate in Canada? ›

Federal Tax Bracket Rates for 2022
  • 15% on the first $50,197 of taxable income.
  • 20.5% on taxable income between $50,197 and $100,392.
  • 26% on taxable income between $100,392 and $155,625.
  • 29% on taxable income between $155,625 and $221,708.
  • 33% on any taxable income over $221,708.
Jan 30, 2023

Where are taxes the lowest country? ›

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.

Which city has the lowest income tax? ›

Cheyenne, Wyoming

While not an obvious candidate, Cheyenne, Wyoming tops the list of U.S. cities with the lowest tax rates. Cheyenne tax rates are low across the board, with an average 9.7% rate for lower-income families.

What are the provincial tax rates in Canada? ›

The current rates are:
  • 5% (GST) in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Quebec, Saskatchewan, and Yukon.
  • 13% (HST) in Ontario.
  • 15% (HST) in New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island.
Dec 15, 2022

Which states have low or no state income tax? ›

Tax-free states
  • Alaska.
  • Florida.
  • Nevada.
  • South Dakota.
  • Texas.
  • Washington.
  • Wyoming.

What town has the lowest taxes in the US? ›

Santa Ana, California

The city's combined state and local sales tax rate of 8% is a full percentage point lower than that of nearby Los Angeles, saving a typical middle-class taxpayer about $250 every year.

What is the most tax friendly state in the United states? ›

MoneyGeek's analysis found that Wyoming is the most tax-friendly state in America, followed by Nevada, Tennessee, Florida and Alaska. States that received a grade of A all share something in common: no state income tax. Washington and South Dakota — which both received a B — also have no state income tax.

What is the lowest tax rate in Ontario? ›

TaxTips.ca - Ontario Tax Rates
2023 Taxable Income2023 Tax Rates2022 Tax Rates
first $49,2315.05%5.05%
over $49,231 up to $98,4639.15%9.15%
over $98,463 up to $150,00011.16%11.16%
2 more rows

Why is Alberta tax so low? ›

Alberta has a long history as a low-tax, high-spending jurisdiction. That equation doesn't sum in the rest of the country, but it does in Alberta, thanks to oil royalties. Oil allowed Alberta governments to tax like conservatives and spend like social democrats.

What is the Ontario provincial tax rate? ›

The tax rates in Ontario range from 5.05% to 13.16% of income and the combined federal and provincial tax rate is between 20.05% and 53.53%.

Where is the best place to live with low taxes? ›

Which Are the Tax-Free States? As of 2022, Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming are the only states that do not levy a state income tax.

Is the US the lowest taxed nation? ›

Read this report in PDF. The most recent data from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) show that the United States is one of the least taxed of the developed nations.

Are US taxes lower than other countries? ›

The average combined US tax rate compared to other countries is not high, staying at the level of 25.81%. Then, there's an equivalent to the personal income tax in the US, which is levied on a federal, state and, in some cases, local level, making up the bulk of respective budgets.

What city in the US has the highest tax rate? ›

1. Bridgeport, Connecticut. It's no real surprise that one of the wealthiest cities in the U.S. also imposes some of the highest taxes. In Bridgeport, as of 2022, approximately 20% of families that live here report income of $200,000 or more.

Where is the best place to live for taxes in the world? ›

Some of the most popular countries that offer the financial benefit of having no income tax are Bermuda, Monaco, the Bahamas, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). There are a number of countries without the burden of income taxes, and many of them are very pleasant countries in which to live.

How high are taxes in USA? ›

The U.S. currently has seven federal income tax brackets, with rates of 10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35% and 37%. If you're one of the lucky few to earn enough to fall into the 37% bracket, that doesn't mean that the entirety of your taxable income will be subject to a 37% tax. Instead, 37% is your top marginal tax rate.

Are taxes higher in Canada or USA? ›

American federal income tax brackets ideally range from 10% to 35%, whereas in Canada it ranges from 15% to 29%.

Which provinces in Canada are tax free? ›

The territories of Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut have no territorial sales taxes, so only the GST is collected. The three northern jurisdictions are heavily subsidized by the federal government, and their residents receive some additional tax concessions due to the high cost of living in the north.

What is the tax rate in Alberta? ›

The tax rates in Alberta range from 10% to 15% of income and the combined federal and provincial tax rate is between 25% and 48%.

How can Florida afford no taxes? ›

With no state income tax — the state constitution forbids it — Florida's state government generates the bulk of general revenue (75% to 80% depending on the year) from sales tax collections. It gets the rest from a variety of sources, including documentary stamp taxes, insurance taxes and corporate income taxes.

Which state is the most tax friendly for retirees? ›

1. Alaska. Alaska is the most tax-friendly state for retirees because it has no state income tax or tax on Social Security. And its sales tax rate is the fourth lowest on our list - fifth lowest in the U.S. But keep this in mind: The cost of living in Alaska is higher than in most states.

How does Texas make up for no income tax? ›

The Texas Constitution forbids personal income taxes. Instead of collecting income taxes, Texas relies on high sales and use taxes. When paired with local taxes, total sales taxes in some jurisdictions are as high as 8.25%. Property tax rates in Texas are also high.

Which state is America's favorite tax haven? ›

President Biden's home state of Delaware has long been renowned for its use as a tax haven, beginning in the late 19th century. Reliably Democratic in national politics, Delaware still ranks at the top among U.S. states providing secrecy for corporations and ultra-high-wealth individuals, both domestic and foreign.

Is it better to live in a state with no income tax? ›

States that have no income tax aren't excessively wealthy and benevolent. They simply have a different structure for raising revenue. With no income tax dollars coming in, these states must get that revenue from other sources. Typically, this translates to higher sales taxes, property taxes and/or gasoline taxes.

What state is best to live in financially? ›

Take a look at the 10 cheapest states to live in for 2022.
  1. Mississippi. Coming in as the cheapest state to live in in the United States is Mississippi with a cost of living index score of 83.3. ...
  2. Kansas. ...
  3. Alabama. ...
  4. Oklahoma. ...
  5. Georgia. ...
  6. Tennessee. ...
  7. Missouri. ...
  8. Iowa.
Mar 31, 2023

What states tax Social Security? ›

For the 2022 tax year, 11 states tax Social Security benefits: Colorado, Connecticut, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Rhode Island, Utah and Vermont. All other states and the District of Columbia do not tax the payments.

Who pays more taxes California or Texas? ›

Though Texas has no state-level personal income tax, it does levy relatively high consumption and property taxes on residents to make up the difference. Ultimately, it has a higher effective state and local tax rate for a median U.S. household at 12.73% than California's 8.97%, according to a new report from WalletHub.

Which Canadian city has the highest property taxes? ›

The five municipalities with the highest rates are also consistent with 2021's ranking, and all are located in northern Ontario, with the exception of Windsor:
  • Windsor: 1.853760%
  • Thunder Bay: 1.634104%
  • Sault Ste. Marie: 1.648575%
  • North Bay: 1.568182%
  • Sudbury: 1.546783%
Nov 9, 2022

Who has the highest property taxes in Canada? ›

Vancouver and Calgary now sit above the national average in 2021, compared to 2020 when they sat below the average. Montreal remains the city with the highest ratio at 4.17, while Quebec City is unchanged at 3.47. Toronto saw a moderate decrease of 5.0% to 3.44. Halifax remains above the average at 2.85.

How can I save tax in Canada? ›

Everyday tax strategies for Canadians: 5 things to get right
  1. Utilize RRSPs, TFSAs, RESPs to the max. ...
  2. Split your income or pension with your spouse. ...
  3. Look into your principal residence exemption. ...
  4. Find the tax credit or deduction for your life situation. ...
  5. Make a heartfelt donation (and keep the receipt)

Is it better to live in Alberta vs Ontario? ›

Overall, it's more expensive to live in Ontario than in Alberta. Toronto, Ontario, has a cost of living index of 114, which is 14% higher than the national average. With an index of 93, the cost of living in Calgary, Alberta, is 7% lower than the average for the nation.

Which province has the best taxes? ›

Alberta has the lowest taxes for a few reasons, one being that Alberta has the highest basic personal amounts in Canada.

Why is it cheaper to live in Alberta? ›

You will generally pay lower taxes in Alberta than in Ontario. For starters, Alberta does not have a provincial sales tax as is the case with many other provinces in Canada. Therefore, every good you buy in Alberta is probably cheaper than in Ontario.

How much is tax in Quebec? ›

the goods and services tax (GST), which is calculated at a rate of 5% on the selling price; and. the Québec sales tax (QST), which is calculated at a rate of 9.975% on the selling price excluding the GST.

What is the sales tax in Nova Scotia? ›

Sales taxes

In Nova Scotia, a sales tax called the HST is charged on most goods and services. The HST is a combination of the federal Goods and Service Tax (GST) and Provincial Sales Tax (PST). It is 15% of the total cost of the item or service being purchased.

What is the sales tax in Saskatchewan? ›

Provincial Sales Tax (PST) is a 6% sales tax that applies to the purchase, rental or importation of taxable goods and services for consumption or use in Saskatchewan.

Where should I live in the USA? ›

Based on our assessment, here are the 10 best places to live in the U.S. right now.
  • Round Rock, TX. Plenty of people had their sights set on Austin, Texas, in 2022 — in fact, it was the second-fastest-growing city in America. ...
  • Sarasota, FL. ...
  • Tacoma, WA. ...
  • Bridgeport, CT. ...
  • Raleigh, NC. ...
  • Arlington, TX. ...
  • Fort Myers, FL. ...
  • Oakland, CA.
Jan 24, 2023

What part of Texas is best to live in? ›

Q: What is the #1 city to move to in Texas? A: As of May 2023, Niche lists Cinco Ranch, a suburb of Houston, as the #1 place to live in Texas. However, Austin, Houston, and Dallas-Fort Worth have all become top Texas cities to move to, according to PODS moving trends data for 2022 and 2023.

Is Texas a tax friendly state? ›

Texas has a 6.25 percent state sales tax rate, a max local sales tax rate of 2.00 percent, and an average combined state and local sales tax rate of 8.20 percent. Texas's tax system ranks 13th overall on our 2023 State Business Tax Climate Index.

Which province in Canada has no tax? ›

1. Alberta (no sales tax) Alberta is the only province that does not have its own sales tax, relying instead on its oil revenues.

Is Alberta tax lower than Ontario? ›

Albertans pay lower taxes because Alberta has the highest basic personal amounts in Canada.

Why does Alberta have no provincial tax? ›

Alberta prides itself on being the only Canadian province without a provincial sales tax, relying instead on its bitumen revenues. Known as the “Alberta tax advantage,” this attitude can be traced back to 1936 when a new Social Credit government introduced a two per cent sales tax recommended by a taxation commission.

What is the most expensive province in Canada? ›

Ontario. Given it has the highest cost of living, it makes sense that the cost of housing will be quite high. In 2022, the average housing cost in Toronto is C$2,125 per person in the city center. Outside it, you might expect to pay C$1,825.

What states have no tax? ›

Tax-free states
  • Alaska.
  • Florida.
  • Nevada.
  • South Dakota.
  • Texas.
  • Washington.
  • Wyoming.

Which province in Canada has the lowest corporate tax? ›

Manitoba. In Manitoba, the lower rate of Manitoba's provincial corporation income tax is 0% and the higher rate is 12%.

Is there a tax free Canada? ›

Individuals resident in Canada are subject to Canadian income tax on worldwide income. Relief from double taxation is provided through Canada's international tax treaties, as well as via foreign tax credits and deductions for foreign taxes paid on income derived from non-Canadian sources.

Is Canada tax higher than us? ›

American federal income tax brackets ideally range from 10% to 35%, whereas in Canada it ranges from 15% to 29%.

Is BC tax lower than Ontario? ›

The provincial tax burden for an individual at the average income level in British Columbia is $2,353, $2,369 in Ontario, and $3,338 in Alberta. By comparison, the provincial tax burden in the Atlantic provinces at this income level ranges from $4,463 in New Brunswick to $5,318 in Nova Scotia.

Is it cheaper to live in Alberta or Ontario? ›

Overall, it's more expensive to live in Ontario than in Alberta. Toronto, Ontario, has a cost of living index of 114, which is 14% higher than the national average. With an index of 93, the cost of living in Calgary, Alberta, is 7% lower than the average for the nation.

Do Albertans pay less taxes? ›

Overview. Alberta's tax advantage is an estimate of the total additional provincial taxes individuals and businesses would pay if Alberta had the same tax system as other provinces. Alberta's tax advantage is $19.7 billion in 2023-24.

Is Alberta a good place to live? ›

Alberta has a high standard of living, diverse and welcoming communities, stunning landscapes. Alberta is made up of a diverse set of cultures and communities that are home to many world-class services.

Does Alberta have lowest tax? ›

And with no sales tax, payroll tax, or health premiums in Alberta, Albertans generally pay lower taxes and keep more of their earnings compared to other provinces.

What is the cheapest province to live in Canada? ›

Newfoundland and Labrador is the cheapest province to live in Canada, with the lowest average cost of living in the country. This easternmost Canadian region is sometimes referred to as “The Rock”. It offers plenty of affordable housing options and some of the cheapest rent in Canada.

Which province is best and cheapest in Canada? ›

The most affordable city in Canada is found in Quebec and the region is generally the cheapest province to live in Canada. Many of the cheapest cities to live in Canada have a very affordable housing market and fantastic rental rates.

Which province is best for living in Canada? ›

Ontario is known for its cleanliness, safety, and abundance of job opportunities. These are just some of the reasons that more than half of the expats in Canada find Ontario to be the best province to live in Canada.

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