Quebec Income Tax Calculator 2025
🍁 Quebec Tax Quick Facts (2025)
- Provincial Tax Rates: 14%, 19%, 24%, 25.75%
- Highest Rate: 25.75% on income over $126,001
- QPP (Quebec Pension): 6.40% up to $68,500
- QPIP (Parental Insurance): 0.494% on all income
- EI (Quebec Rate): 1.31% up to $63,200
- Status: HIGHEST provincial tax rates in Canada
- Authority: Revenu Québec
🍁 Quebec Has Canada's Highest Provincial Tax Rates
Quebec charges the highest provincial income tax in Canada, ranging from 14% to 25.75%. Combined with federal taxes, middle and high earners face some of the steepest tax bills in North America.
Why so high? Quebec funds extensive social programs:
- Subsidized daycare: $8.70/day (vs $50-60/day in other provinces)
- Lower tuition: ~$3,000/year for university (vs $7,000-9,000 elsewhere)
- Robust healthcare and social services
- Quebec-specific programs: QPP and QPIP instead of federal CPP
How Much Will You Actually Pay?
Real Tax Examples: Quebec vs Other Provinces (2025)
Scenario 1: $75,000 Salary (Middle-Class)
| Province | Provincial Tax | QPP/CPP + EI/QPIP | Total Deductions | Difference vs QC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quebec | ~$8,950 | ~$5,180 | $14,130 | — |
| Ontario | ~$5,450 | ~$4,820 | $10,270 | Save $3,860 |
| British Columbia | ~$4,850 | ~$4,820 | $9,670 | Save $4,460 |
| Alberta | ~$4,125 | ~$4,820 | $8,945 | Save $5,185 |
Scenario 2: $150,000 Salary (High Earner)
| Province | Provincial Tax | QPP/CPP + EI/QPIP | Total Deductions | Difference vs QC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quebec | ~$24,100 | ~$5,550 | $29,650 | — |
| Ontario | ~$14,800 | ~$5,190 | $19,990 | Save $9,660 |
| British Columbia | ~$14,350 | ~$5,190 | $19,540 | Save $10,110 |
| Alberta | ~$10,500 | ~$5,190 | $15,690 | Save $13,960 |
Over 10 years at $150k: You'd pay $100,000-$140,000 MORE in Quebec than Alberta!
Understanding Quebec's Unique Tax System
1. Provincial Tax Brackets (2025)
Quebec has 4 tax brackets with rates starting at 14% and topping out at 25.75%:
- 14% on first $51,780
- 19% on $51,781 to $103,545
- 24% on $103,546 to $126,000
- 25.75% on $126,001 and above
Basic personal amount: $18,056 (tax-free at provincial level)
2. QPP - Quebec Pension Plan (Different from CPP!)
Quebec has its own pension plan instead of the federal Canada Pension Plan (CPP).
- Rate: 6.40% (slightly higher than CPP's 5.95%)
- Maximum earnings: $68,500
- Basic exemption: $3,500
- Max contribution: ~$4,160/year
Example: On $75,000, you pay 6.40% × ($68,500 - $3,500) = $4,160
3. QPIP - Quebec Parental Insurance Plan (UNIQUE to Quebec)
This is Quebec's big differentiator - a separate parental insurance program.
- Rate: 0.494% on ALL income (no cap)
- Purpose: Provides parental leave benefits separate from EI
- Benefits: More generous parental leave than federal EI
Example: On $75,000, you pay 0.494% × $75,000 = $370.50
QPIP: Great for Parents, Less So for Others
If you're planning to have kids, QPIP is worth it - Quebec offers up to 55 weeks of parental leave at higher benefit rates than the rest of Canada.
If you're single or done having kids, you're paying 0.494% for benefits you'll never use. On $100k, that's $494/year.
4. EI - Employment Insurance (Quebec Rate is LOWER)
Because QPIP covers parental benefits, Quebec's EI rate is reduced:
- Quebec EI rate: 1.31% (vs 1.66% federal)
- Maximum insurable earnings: $63,200
- Max contribution: ~$828/year
Example: On $75,000, you pay 1.31% × $63,200 = $828
5. Federal Tax (Same Across Canada)
Quebec residents also pay federal tax like everyone else:
- 15% on first $55,867
- 20.5% on $55,868 to $111,733
- 26% on $111,734 to $173,205
- 29% on $173,206 to $246,752
- 33% on $246,753+
The Full Cost Breakdown
$75,000 Earner: Complete Tax Picture (2025)
| Tax Type | Rate | Annual Amount | % of Income |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Tax | 15-20.5% | ~$8,950 | 11.9% |
| Quebec Provincial Tax | 14-19% | ~$8,950 | 11.9% |
| QPP | 6.40% | ~$4,160 | 5.5% |
| QPIP | 0.494% | ~$370 | 0.5% |
| EI (Quebec) | 1.31% | ~$828 | 1.1% |
| TOTAL DEDUCTIONS | — | $23,258 | 31.0% |
| Take-Home Pay | — | $51,742 | 69.0% |
Key Insight: You take home about 69% of your gross income. Federal + provincial tax alone takes 24%, then QPP/EI/QPIP takes another 7%.
Who Benefits from Living in Quebec Despite High Taxes?
✅ Quebec Makes Sense If:
- You have young children - Subsidized daycare saves $10,000-15,000/year per child (easily offsets extra tax)
- You're a student or have kids in university - Tuition is $3,000/year vs $7,000-9,000 elsewhere
- You speak French - Montreal is one of the cheapest major Canadian cities for housing ($1,500 for 1BR vs $2,200 in Toronto, $2,500 in Vancouver)
- You value work-life balance - Quebec has strong labor protections and generous vacation policies
- You're planning parental leave - QPIP provides up to 55 weeks at higher benefit rates
- You love culture, food, and European vibe - Montreal and Quebec City offer unique quality of life
❌ Consider Other Provinces If:
- You're a high earner without kids ($100k+) - You'll pay $5,000-15,000 more/year with minimal benefit
- You don't speak French - While Montreal is bilingual, French is required for many jobs and services
- You prioritize maximizing savings - Alberta or BC offer significantly lower tax burden
- You need warmer climate - Quebec winters are brutal (-20°C to -30°C is common)
- You work in tech/finance at senior level - Toronto/Vancouver have better opportunities despite higher housing costs
Quebec vs Ontario vs BC vs Alberta: Real Comparison
Which province is actually cheapest when you factor in taxes AND cost of living?
-
Quebec (Montreal)
- Taxes: Highest in Canada
- Rent (1BR): $1,500/month
- Daycare: $8.70/day ($190/month)
- Best for: Families with kids, students, French speakers
-
Ontario (Toronto)
- Taxes: Moderate (5-13% provincial)
- Rent (1BR): $2,200/month
- Daycare: $50-60/day ($1,200/month)
- Best for: Career growth, finance/tech jobs
-
British Columbia (Vancouver)
- Taxes: Moderate (5-16% provincial)
- Rent (1BR): $2,500/month
- Daycare: $40-55/day ($1,000/month)
- Best for: Mild climate, outdoor lifestyle
-
Alberta (Calgary/Edmonton)
- Taxes: Lowest (flat 10% provincial, no PST)
- Rent (1BR): $1,400/month
- Daycare: $30-45/day ($750/month)
- Best for: Maximizing savings, high earners
Annual Cost Comparison: $75k Earner with One Child
| Province | Total Tax | Rent (Annual) | Daycare (Annual) | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quebec | $23,258 | $18,000 | $2,280 | $43,538 |
| Ontario | $19,398 | $26,400 | $14,400 | $60,198 |
| BC | $18,798 | $30,000 | $12,000 | $60,798 |
| Alberta | $18,073 | $16,800 | $9,000 | $43,873 |
Winner for families with kids: Quebec! Despite highest taxes, cheap daycare and rent make it most affordable.
Annual Cost Comparison: $150k Earner, No Kids
| Province | Total Tax | Rent (Annual) | Total Cost | Savings vs QC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quebec | $49,650 | $18,000 | $67,650 | — |
| Ontario | $39,990 | $26,400 | $66,390 | Save $1,260 |
| BC | $39,540 | $30,000 | $69,540 | Cost $1,890 more |
| Alberta | $35,690 | $16,800 | $52,490 | Save $15,160 |
Winner for high earners without kids: Alberta! Lowest tax + cheap rent = $15k more in your pocket annually.
Quebec Tax Filing: You Need TWO Returns
Unlike every other province, Quebec requires a separate provincial tax return (TP-1) in addition to your federal return.
Best Tax Software for Quebec (2025)
-
Wealthsimple Tax - FREE
Handles both federal and Quebec returns. Completely free, even for complex situations. Best option for most people.
-
TurboTax Quebec Edition - $40-80
User-friendly, handles Quebec-specific credits. Worth it if you have rental income or investment income.
-
UFile Quebec - $20-50
Quebec-specific version. Good balance of price and features.
Finding Affordable Tax Help in Quebec
- Programme des bénévoles: FREE for income under $55,000. Available at community centers and libraries.
- Local Quebec Tax Professional: $150-400 for basic returns (both federal + provincial). Worth it for first-year filers.
- H&R Block: $200-500 for Quebec returns. Expensive but convenient if you have complex situations.
Quebec-Specific Tax Credits You Can't Miss
Quebec offers unique tax credits that can significantly reduce your tax bill:
-
Childcare Expense Credit
- Up to 75% refund on eligible childcare expenses
- Can claim subsidized daycare + additional private care
-
Solidarity Tax Credit
- Combines housing allowance + QST rebate
- Up to $1,620/year for low-income individuals
-
Home Support Tax Credit (65+)
- 35% credit for home support services
- Helps seniors stay in their homes
-
Tuition and Education Credits
- Quebec offers provincial credits in addition to federal
- Transferable to parents if unused
Moving to/from Quebec: Important Tax Considerations
If you're moving to or from Quebec, follow these steps:
Moving TO Quebec:
- Update Revenu Quebec within 30 days of moving
- Apply for Quebec health insurance card (RAMQ)
- Register for subsidized daycare waitlist immediately if you have kids (can take years)
- File part-year returns for both provinces for the year you move
- Update employer payroll to deduct Quebec taxes instead of federal provincial
Leaving Quebec:
- File Quebec departure notice with Revenu Quebec
- Keep evidence of move date (lease, utility bills, moving receipts)
- File part-year Quebec return for portion of year you lived there
- Update QPP/QPIP to CPP/EI with new employer
Common Questions
Can I claim Quebec childcare credits if my income is high?
Yes! The subsidized daycare ($8.70/day) is income-tested but available to most families. Additional childcare expense credits phase out at higher incomes but don't fully disappear until $150k+.
Do I pay Quebec tax if I work remotely for an Ontario company?
Yes. As a Quebec resident, you pay Quebec provincial tax regardless of where your employer is located. Your employer should deduct Quebec taxes, not Ontario taxes.
What if I live in Ottawa but work in Gatineau (or vice versa)?
You pay tax based on where you live, not where you work. If you live in Ottawa (Ontario) and work in Gatineau (Quebec), you pay Ontario provincial tax. Many people do the reverse to save on Quebec's higher taxes.
Is there sales tax in Quebec too?
Yes. Quebec has 5% GST (federal) + 9.975% QST (provincial) = 14.975% total sales tax on most goods. This is the second-highest in Canada after Nova Scotia/PEI/Newfoundland.
The Bottom Line
Quebec's tax system is complex and expensive - you'll pay the highest provincial rates in Canada, plus unique QPP and QPIP contributions. Combined with federal taxes, middle-class earners pay 25-35% total tax.
BUT - if you have kids, the math completely changes. Subsidized daycare alone saves $10,000-15,000/year per child, easily offsetting the higher taxes.
Best for: Families with young children, French speakers, students, and those who value Quebec's unique culture and quality of life.
Skip if: You're a high earner without kids looking to maximize savings - Alberta or BC will be better financially.
Compare QC with other provinces: Quebec vs Ontario | QC vs BC | QC vs Alberta
Provincial rankings: Lowest Tax Provinces 2025 | Best Provinces for Families | Highest Tax Provinces 2025
Data Sources:
- Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) - Federal tax rates, CPP, EI
- Revenu Québec - Provincial tax rates and credits
Verified for 2025 tax year • Last updated: November 2025
Tax rates for 2025 are typically published by CRA and provincial authorities in December 2024/January 2025. Rates should be reviewed annually in Q1. This calculator provides estimates based on official rates. For personalized tax advice, consult a certified Canadian accountant.