SELF-EMPLOYED · QUÉBEC 2026

Working for yourself,
how much do you keep?

Your freelance income isn’t taxed like a salary. See what you really keep after your expenses, QPP (both halves) and tax.

YOUR SELF-EMPLOYED ACTIVITY

Your real income working for yourself

Enter what you invoice and your business expenses over a year.

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$

Equipment, software, office, travel, accountant, a share of your rent or phone… Deductible expenses reduce your taxable income.

2026 estimate for a Québec resident with no other income, with the basic credits. The QPP counts both portions (12.60% up to $74,600, plus QPP2), there is no employment insurance, and the QPIP is at the self-employed rate (0.764%).
WHAT YOU KEEP
Net in your pocket, per month$4,021about $48,251 net per year
Average tax rate16.3%the real share of your income that goes to tax
Marginal rate31.9%the tax on your next dollar earned
Net business income$68,000$80,000 invoiced − $12,000 in expenses
Net after taxes and QPP$48,251
Where your net business income goes29% in taxes and contributions
Net $48,251 Tax $11,102 QPP · QPIP $8,647
Annual breakdown$19,749 in total
Québec Pension Plan (QPP)both portions — double what an employee pays
− $8,127
Québec Parental Insurance Plan (QPIP)0.764%, the self-employed rate
− $520
Estimated federal taxafter deducting the “employer” portion of the QPP
− $5,274
Estimated Québec taxwith the workers’ deduction
− $5,828
At equal income, an employee would keep $50,535

That’s about $2,283 more than you. The gap comes mainly from the QPP you pay twice over — but that portion builds your retirement pension, and half of it is deductible from your tax.

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 FURTHERBuild your budget

Split this income with the 50/30/20 rule, or see what an RRSP contribution would save you in tax.

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Remember to set money aside for taxes

When you’re self-employed, no tax is withheld at source. Set aside a portion of each amount you receive (often 25 to 35%) for tax and QPP, and plan for instalment payments if Revenu Québec or the CRA ask for them. This tool informs and is not tax advice.

Frequently asked questions

How does a self-employed person’s net income differ from an employee’s?

Three main differences in Québec in 2026. First, you pay both halves of the Québec Pension Plan (QPP) — about 12.60% up to $74,600, plus a second contribution above that — twice what an employee pays. Second, you don’t contribute to Employment Insurance (unless you opt in voluntarily for special benefits). Finally, your business expenses reduce your taxable income, and half of your QPP plus the workers’ deduction lighten your tax.

Which expenses can I deduct?

Reasonable expenses incurred to earn your income: materials and supplies, professional software and subscriptions, fees (accountant, lawyer), business travel and meals (in part), a portion of your rent, electricity and phone if you work from home, professional insurance, advertising. Keep your receipts. When in doubt, an accountant will help you maximize deductions without risk.

Do I have to charge GST and QST?

Generally, once your revenue exceeds $30,000 over four quarters, you must register, collect GST (5%) and QST (9.975%), then remit them. Below that threshold, registration is optional. Finoutil’s GST/QST tool tells you whether you need to charge and how much to set aside.

How do I set money aside for my taxes?

Since nothing is withheld at source, set aside a portion of your net income for tax and QPP with every payment you receive — often 25 to 35% depending on your income level. The Canada Revenue Agency and Revenu Québec may also require instalment payments (quarterly payments) if your tax balance owing exceeds a certain threshold two years in a row.

Is the result exact to the dollar?

No. It’s an educational estimate that assumes a Québec resident with no other income, claiming the basic credits. Your actual situation (other income, family credits, RRSP contribution, partial year, voluntary Employment Insurance enrolment) may change the amount. It is not a tax return.