Swift Accounting & Business Solutions Ltd.
2440 Kensington Rd NW, Calgary, AB T2N 3S1
(403) 999-2295 · mailbox@swiftltd.ca
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Quarterly Tax Calculator (2026)
Estimate this year's tax on self-employment income, check whether CRA requires instalments and compare the three payment methods with due dates.
Enter your net self-employment income to see the instalments.
Instalments for 2026
* A weekend due date moves to the next business day.
Quebec residents pay Quebec tax and QPP to Revenu Quebec, with their own instalments. This page covers the federal part that CRA collects, and the Quebec figures are approximate.
Estimate based on 2026 rules. Not tax advice.
How it's calculated
- Income tax and CPP on self-employment income are worked out the way a T1 return does it. Tax already withheld is subtracted to get your net tax owing.
- Instalments are required when net tax owing is over $3,000 this year and in at least one of the last two years. The limit is $1,800 for Quebec residents.
- No-calculation option: pay the amounts on CRA's reminders. Prior-year option: last year's net tax owing divided by four. Current-year option: this year's estimate divided by four.
- Payments are due March 15, June 15, September 15 and December 15. A weekend date moves to the next business day.
Frequently asked questions
Who has to pay quarterly tax instalments in Canada?
You do if your net tax owing is over $3,000 this year and in either of the last two years. The limit is $1,800 for Quebec residents. It mostly affects the self-employed, landlords, investors and retirees with little tax withheld.
Which instalment method should I use?
CRA charges no instalment interest when you pay at least the lowest of the three amounts on time. The prior-year and no-calculation amounts are known in advance. The current-year amount depends on your estimate, so a low estimate can leave you short.
What happens if I miss an instalment?
Interest runs from each due date at the CRA prescribed rate, which is 7% in 2026, compounded daily. If instalment interest for the year is over $1,000, a penalty can apply: 50% of the interest above the greater of $1,000 and 25% of the interest you would have owed with no instalments.
When are quarterly instalments due?
March 15, June 15, September 15 and December 15. When a date falls on a weekend, payment is due the next business day. Any balance is due April 30 of the following year, even if you file later.
Is CPP part of my instalments?
Yes. CPP on self-employment income is payable with your return, so it is part of your net tax owing. CPP already deducted from employment pay is not.
Talk to a Swift accountant
Self-employed and tired of guessing your instalments? We can set the amounts and check them each quarter.