What you pay when you're self-employed
- CPP, both halves. An employer would pay half for you. When you're self-employed you pay both, on profit above $3,500 up to the yearly limit, plus the second tier above that.
- Federal and Prince Edward Island income tax on your profit, after your basic personal amounts. Half of your CPP is deducted from income, and the rest earns a credit.
Instalments
If you owe more than $3,000 in tax at filing ($1,800 in Quebec) this year and in either of the two years before, CRA will ask you to pay quarterly: March 15, June 15, September 15 and December 15. Otherwise, pay by April 30. Self-employed people have until June 15 to file, but the tax is still due April 30.
Lowering it
Every business expense you record lowers both the tax and the CPP. So do RRSP contributions (for income tax only) and the business share of your home and vehicle, when you keep a logbook.