How to use the marginal tax rate calculator
- 1 Enter your taxable income for 2026.
- 2 Choose your province or territory.
- 3 Read your marginal rate for each type of income.
- 4 Use the RRSP line to see the refund on each $1,000 you contribute.
Worked example
$85,000 of taxable income in Ontario. The next dollar is taxed at 20.5% federal plus 9.15% Ontario, a marginal rate of 29.65%. Capital gains are taxed at 14.83%, eligible dividends at 6.39% and non-eligible dividends at 20.28%. Total income tax is $16,980, an average rate of 19.98%, and each $1,000 of RRSP contributions saves $296.50.
Using your marginal rate
- Value RRSP contributions at your marginal rate.
- Hold interest in an RRSP or TFSA: it is taxed at the full rate.
- Compare dividends and gains by their own rates.
- Watch benefit clawbacks that add to the real rate.
See the full bill with the Income Tax Calculator, dividends with the Dividend Tax Credit Calculator, and your refund with the RRSP Calculator.
Features
Every province
2026 federal and provincial brackets, including the Ontario surtax.
Four income types
Ordinary income, capital gains, eligible and non-eligible dividends.
Average rate
Total income tax as a share of your income.
When to use it
RRSP decisions
See the refund on each $1,000. Model it in the RRSP Calculator.
Investing
Compare dividends and capital gains. Check dividends in detail with the Dividend Tax Credit Calculator.
Raises and bonuses
See how much of a raise you keep. Check take-home pay with the Take-Home Pay Calculator.
Self-employed
Add CPP with the Self-Employed Tax Calculator.
Related Tax tasks
Frequently asked questions
What is a marginal tax rate?
The combined federal and provincial tax rate on your next dollar of income. It is higher than your average rate, which is your total tax divided by your income.
What are the 2026 federal tax brackets?
14% up to $58,523, 20.5% to $117,045, 26% to $181,440, 29% to $258,482 and 33% above. The lowest rate fell to 14% in 2026.
Why are capital gains taxed at half the rate?
Only 50% of a capital gain is included in income, so the rate on a gain is half your marginal rate on ordinary income.
Why are dividends taxed less?
Dividends come from company profits that were already taxed. The gross-up and dividend tax credit reduce your personal tax to account for that, especially on eligible dividends.
Does a raise ever leave me worse off?
Not because of tax brackets. Only the income in a higher bracket is taxed at the higher rate. But benefits like the CCB, GST credit or GIS can fall as income rises.
What is the Ontario surtax?
An extra Ontario tax of 20% of provincial tax above $5,818 and a further 36% above $7,446, which raises Ontario's marginal rates at higher incomes.
Does this include CPP and EI?
No. Marginal rates here are income tax only. CPP and EI add to the cost of each employment dollar until you reach their maximums.
Why is my rate slightly higher between $181,440 and $258,482?
The federal basic personal amount is phased down in that range, which adds a small amount to the marginal rate.
Is Quebec different?
Yes. Quebec residents get a 16.5% abatement of federal tax and pay Quebec's own rates, which the calculator includes.
How do I lower my marginal tax rate?
You cannot change the rate itself, but you can reduce taxable income with RRSP or FHSA contributions, pension splitting, and claiming every deduction, which can move part of your income into a lower bracket.
Results are estimates based on the official rates linked above. Confirm important figures with the issuing authority or a qualified adviser before you act on them.
Built and reviewed by Hamza Farooq, founder and lead developer
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