SELF-EMPLOYED · QUÉBEC 2026

How much to
set aside?

When you’re self-employed, tax isn’t withheld for you. Reserve the right share of each payment and reach April stress-free.

YOUR SELF-EMPLOYED ACTIVITY

How much to set aside for tax

When you're self-employed, nothing is withheld at source. See the share of each payment to set aside.

$

Your invoiced income minus your business expenses, over the year.

$

Optional — to see how much to set aside on this specific amount.

2026 estimate for a Québec resident with no other income. Covers tax, QPP (both portions) and QPIP — the three you have to pay yourself, with no withholding at source.
TO SET ASIDE
From each payment, set aside27.1%for tax and your contributions
On this payment$813of $3,000 received
Over the year$16,269to set aside in total
Marginal rate26.9%on your next dollars
What it covers (year)$16,269
Tax (federal + Québec)
$8,692
QPP (both portions)
$7,119
QPIP
$458
Think about instalment payments

If you owe more than about $1,800 in tax (both federally and in Québec) two years in a row, the CRA and Revenu Québec may require quarterly payments. Setting the money aside ahead of time spares you the nasty surprise.

Up to date · 2026 brackets · checked
What this calculation is based on: sources and method

What this calculation includes

  • Federal and Québec income tax (2026 brackets)
  • QPP — both portions (12.60%) and QPP2, deductible parts
  • QPIP at the self-employed rate (0.764%)
  • Workers' deduction (max $1,450)
  • No Employment Insurance contribution

Doesn't account for: Credits based on your situation (dependants, childcare, donations, medical expenses…) · Other income (investments, rental, benefits) and specific deductions · Marital status and income splitting.

Official sources

Our full methodology
GO FURTHERYour real net income, in detail

You know what to set aside. Now see what's really left, then build your budget with the rest.

Calculate my self-employment income Build my budget
Or:RRSP or TFSA

A separate account is the secret

Open a separate account and transfer the “tax” share into it as soon as you’re paid. The money is never really yours: it’s waiting for Revenu Québec and the CRA. This tool informs you and doesn’t replace an accountant.

Frequently asked questions

What percentage of my self-employed income should I set aside?

It depends on your income, but often 25 to 35% in Québec. Since nothing is withheld at source, you’re responsible for paying the tax yourself (federal and Québec), the QPP (both portions) and the QPIP. The tool calculates the exact percentage based on your expected net business income.

Why does the QPP matter so much?

When you’re self-employed, you pay both the employee AND the employer portion of the Québec Pension Plan — about 12.60% up to $74,600, plus a 2nd contribution above that. That’s double what an employee pays, but half of it is deductible from your tax and this contribution builds your retirement pension.

What are instalment payments?

These are quarterly tax payments the CRA and Revenu Québec can require if your tax balance owing exceeds about $1,800 two years in a row. Instead of paying everything in April, you pay in advance four times a year. Setting money aside from each payment you receive prepares you for exactly this.

Is the result accurate?

It’s an estimate based on Québec’s 2026 parameters, for a resident with no other income and the basic credits. Your other income, credits or deductions (RRSP, expenses) can change the actual amount. This isn’t tax advice — when in doubt, an accountant refines the picture.