Understanding Payroll Taxes in Canada: A Guide for Businesses At Bookkeeping Bizz Inc., we know that navigating payroll taxes can be complex. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you understand how payroll taxes work in Canada and what they might cost your business.What Are Payroll Taxes? Payroll taxes are amounts deducted from employees' wages and salaries by employers and remitted to the government. These taxes fund various social programs and benefits, such as the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Employment Insurance (EI), and provincial health care systems.Key Components of Payroll Taxes in Canada Canada Pension Plan (CPP) ContributionsEmployee Contribution: 5.95% of gross earnings up to a maximum annual contribution. Employer Contribution: 5.95% of gross earnings up to the same maximum. Maximum Contribution for 2024: $3,754.58. Employment Insurance (EI) PremiumsEmployee Contribution: 1.58% of gross earnings up to a maximum annual contribution. Employer Contribution: 1.4 times the employee contribution. Maximum Contribution for 2024: $1,439.58. Provincial Health Care Premiums (varies by province)Some provinces, like Ontario, have a Health Premium that employers must pay. Rates and thresholds vary by province. Workers Compensation InsuranceRates: Vary by province and industry, typically around 0.31% of insurable earnings. Purpose: Provides compensation to employees who are injured on the job. Employer Health Tax (EHT)Rates: Ranges from 0.98% to 1.95% of total payroll, depending on the province. Purpose: Funds the public health care system in certain provinces. How Much Do Payroll Taxes Cost Businesses? The cost of payroll taxes can vary significantly depending on the size of the business, the number of employees, and the province in which the business operates. Here’s a rough estimate of the costs:CPP Contributions: Up to 5.95% of gross payroll. EI Premiums: Up to 1.58% of gross payroll. EHT: Up to 1.95% of total payroll in applicable provinces. Workers Compensation Insurance: Around 0.31% of insurable earnings.…
