CD 2011-030
Subject: Changes to the Net Pay Amount Commencing January 2012
December 16, 2011
1. Purpose
1.1. The purpose of this directive is to provide clients with information about changes to the net amount of pay commencing with the first pay of January 2012.
1.2. A notice of information to employees concerning the above has been included with this Compensation Directive and will also be posted in the "Public Service Employee" page of the Compensation Sector Web site, should individual employees have detailed questions concerning their net pay and the applicable source deductions.
2. Background
2.1. Each new year, compensation advisors must respond to queries from employees about changes in the net pay amount on the first pay in January compared to the last pay in December.
2.2. To assist client departments in explaining these differences to their employees, this directive is issued on a yearly basis to advise them of the factors that may cause fluctuations.
3. Procedures and Instructions
3.1. The following factors may affect an employee's net pay.
3.1.1. Public Service Pension Plan, Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Quebec Pension Plan (QPP) Contributions
At the beginning of each year, the low rate of the two possible rates of contribution to the public service pension plan is used until the maximum level of contribution for that rate is reached. Then, the higher rate of contribution is used for the remainder of the year. Beginning with the new year, public service pension plan contributions recommence at the low rate, until such time as they reach the maximum level of the contribution for the low rate.
Therefore, if employees who are contributors under the public service pension plan compare their last pay in December to their first pay in January, many of them may see that they have paid a larger amount to the plan in December than in January.
For the 2012 calendar year, the contribution rate will increase by 0.4%. Effective January 1, 2012, public service pension plan contributions will be 6.2% (to a maximum of $3,106.20 for the 2012 taxation year) on all pensionable earnings below and equal to the yearly maximum pensionable earnings (YMPE) ($50,100 for the 2012 taxation year), and 8.6% on all pensionable earnings over the YMPE.
Contributions to the public service pension plan have a direct bearing on the income tax deducted at source since these contributions are deducted from the gross pay before determining the tax rate. Once the public service pension plan contributions reach the maximum level for the low rate, the contributions will increase from 6.2% to 8.6%. The larger the public service pension plan contribution, the less income tax will be withheld from the employee's pay.
Many employees reach their maximum level of CPP and QPP contributions sometime during the year. When this happens, the employee will see an increase in the net pay amount as there will no longer be CPP/QPP deductions withheld. Beginning with the new year, employees recommence paying CPP/QPP contributions until such time as they reach the maximum CPP/QPP contribution level for 2012.
Effective January 1, 2012, the CPP rate remains at 4.95% of pensionable earnings. The maximum CPP contribution is $2,306.70 for the 2012 taxation year. The QPP rate will be increased from 4.95% to 5.025% of pensionable earnings for 2012. The maximum QPP contribution is $2,341.65 for the 2012 taxation year.
The CPP contributions provide a federal tax credit of 15%. This tax credit is applied directly to the income tax that is owing and is not dependent on the employee's income tax bracket. Please note that, effective January 1, 1998, the Quebec Tax Reform eliminated the Quebec provincial tax credit for QPP. This tax credit is now included in the basic credit amount of $10,925 for the 2012 taxation year.
3.1.2. Employment Insurance (EI) Premiums
The employee's rate of EI premiums (excluding employees working in the province of Quebec) for the 2012 taxation year will be increased from 1.78% to 1.83% of insurable earnings. The annual maximum insurable earnings will be increased from $44,200 to $45,900. Those employees who had reached their maximum EI premiums during the previous year will recommence paying EI premiums in the new year until the new annual maximum premium level is reached. Once employees reach the annual maximum premium deduction of $839.97 in 2012, they will see an increase in their net pay amount, as there will no longer be EI deductions withheld.
The employee's rate of EI premiums, for employees working in the province of Quebec for the 2012 taxation year, will be increased from 1.41% to 1.47% of insurable earnings. The annual maximum insurable earnings will be increased from $44,200 to $45,900. Those employees who had reached their maximum EI premiums during the previous year will recommence paying EI premiums in the new year until the new annual maximum premium level is reached. Once employees reach the annual maximum premium deduction of $674.73 in 2012, they will see an increase in their net pay amount, as there will no longer be EI deductions withheld.
3.1.3. Quebec Parental Insurance Plan (QPIP)
Effective January 1, 2012, the employee's QPIP premium rate will be increased from 0.537% to 0.559% of insurable earnings. The annual maximum insurable earnings will be increased from $64,000 to $66,000. Those employees who had reached their maximum QPIP premiums during the previous year will recommence paying QPIP premiums in the new year until the new annual maximum premium level is reached. Once employees reach the annual maximum premium deduction of $368.94 in 2012, they will see an increase in their net pay amount, as there will no longer be QPIP deductions withheld.
Federal Tax Brackets and Rates Effective January 1, 2012
The provincial income tax tables have changed as follows:
Tax brackets ($) | Tax rates |
---|---|
0 to 41,544 | 15% |
41,544 to 83,088 | 22% |
83,088 to 128,800 | 26% |
over 128,800 | 29% |
Tax brackets ($) | Tax rates |
---|---|
0 to 42,707 | 15% |
42,707 to 85,414 | 22% |
85,414 to 132,406 | 26% |
over 132,406 | 29% |
Canada Employment Credit
Effective January 1, 2012, the maximum amount on which the credit is calculated will be increased from $1,065 to $1,095.
Provincial and Territorial Tax Brackets and Rates Effective January 1, 2012
There are no changes to the tax brackets or rates for the provinces of Prince Edward Island, Alberta, Nova Scotia and Manitoba.
Newfoundland and Labrador tax brackets and rates
Tax brackets ($) | Tax rates |
---|---|
0 to 31,904 | 7.7% |
31,904 to 63,807 | 12.5% |
Over 63,807 | 13.3% |
Tax brackets ($) | Tax rates |
---|---|
0 to 32,893 | 7.7% |
32,893 to 65,785 | 12.5% |
Over 65,785 | 13.3% |
New Brunswick tax brackets and rates
Tax brackets ($) | Tax rates |
---|---|
0 to 37,150 | 9.1% |
37,150 to 74,300 | 12.4% |
74,300 to 120,796 | 12.4% |
Over 120,796 | 15.9% |
Tax brackets ($) | Tax rates |
---|---|
0 to 38,190 | 9.1% |
38,190 to 76,380 | 12.4% |
76,380 to 124,178 | 12.4% |
Over 124,178 | 15.9% |
Ontario tax brackets and rates
Tax brackets ($) | Tax rates |
---|---|
0 to 37,774 | 5.05% |
37,774 to 75,550 | 9.15% |
Over 75,550 | 11.16% |
Tax brackets ($) | Tax rates |
---|---|
0 to 39,020 | 5.05% |
39,020 to 78,043 | 9.15% |
Over 78,043 | 11.16% |
The provincial surtax payable has been revised as follows:
Where the basic provincial tax payable is less than or equal to $4,213 (formerly $4,078), the surtax payable is $0.
Where the basic provincial tax payable is greater than $4,213 and less than or equal to $5,392 (formerly $5,219), the surtax payable is 20% of the basic provincial tax payable in excess of $4,213.
Where the basic provincial tax payable is greater than $5,392, the surtax payable is the total of 20% of the basic provincial tax payable in excess of $4,213, and 36% of the basic provincial tax payable in excess of $5,392.
Saskatchewan tax brackets and rates
Tax brackets ($) | Tax rates |
---|---|
0 to 40,919 | 11% |
40,919 to 116,911 | 13% |
Over 116,911 | 15% |
Tax brackets ($) | Tax rates |
---|---|
0 to 42,065 | 11% |
42,065 to 120,185 | 13% |
Over 120,185 | 15% |
British Columbia tax brackets and rates
Tax brackets ($) | Tax rates |
---|---|
0 to 36,146 | 5.06% |
36,146 to 72,293 | 7.70% |
72,293 to 83,001 | 10.50% |
83,001 to 100,787 | 12.29% |
Over 100,787 | 14.70% |
Tax brackets ($) | Tax rates |
---|---|
0 to 37,013 | 5.06% |
37,013 to 74,028 | 7.70% |
74,028 to 84,993 | 10.50% |
84,993 to 103,205 | 12.29% |
Over 103,205 | 14.70% |
The provincial tax reduction is indexed and is calculated as follows:
Where net income is less than or equal to $17,913 (formerly $17,493), the reduction is equal to the lesser of (i) basic provincial tax, and (ii) $403 (formerly $394).
Where net income is greater than $17,913 and less than or equal to $30,506.75 (formerly $29,805.50), the reduction is equal to the lesser of (i) basic provincial tax, and (ii) $403 - ((Annual net income - $17,913) x 3.2%).
Where net income is greater than $30,506.75, the reduction is equal to $0.
Quebec tax brackets and rates
Tax brackets ($) | Tax rates |
---|---|
0 to 39,060 | 16% |
39,060 to 78,120 | 20% |
Over 78,120 | 24% |
Tax brackets ($) | Tax rates |
---|---|
0 to 40,100 | 16% |
40,100 to 80,200 | 20% |
Over 80,200 | 24% |
Deduction for employment income
Effective January 1, 2012, the maximum deduction for employment income has been increased from $1,045 to $1,075.
Yukon tax brackets and rates
Tax brackets ($) | Tax rates |
---|---|
0 to 41,544 | 7.04% |
41,544 to 83,088 | 9.68% |
83,088 to 128,800 | 11.44% |
Over 128,800 | 12.76% |
Tax brackets ($) | Tax rates |
---|---|
0 to 42,707 | 7.04% |
42,707 to 85,414 | 9.68% |
85,414 to 132,406 | 11.44% |
Over 132,406 | 12.76% |
Territorial Employment Credit
Effective January 1, 2012, the maximum amount on which the credit is calculated will be increased from $1,065 to $1,095.
Northwest Territories tax brackets and rates
Tax brackets ($) | Tax rates |
---|---|
0 to 37,626 | 5.90% |
37,626 to 75,253 | 8.60% |
75,253 to 122,345 | 12.20% |
Over 122,345 | 14.05% |
Tax brackets ($) | Tax rates |
---|---|
0 to 38,679 | 5.90% |
38,679 to 77,360 | 8.60% |
77,360 to 125,771 | 12.20% |
Over 125,771 | 14.05% |
Nunavut tax brackets and rates
Tax brackets ($) | Tax rates |
---|---|
0 to 39,612 | 4.0% |
39,612 to 79,224 | 7.0% |
79,224 to 128,800 | 9.0% |
Over 128,800 | 11.5% |
Tax brackets ($) | Tax rates |
---|---|
0 to 40,721 | 4.0% |
40,721 to 81,442 | 7.0% |
81,442 to 132,406 | 9.0% |
Over 132,406 | 11.5% |
Tax Adjustment Factors
The calculation of income tax withheld at source is based on the taxable income earned by the employee and the income tax rates in effect for the province of employment at the time the payment is issued. Those employees who work in the province of Quebec in the National Capital Region (NCR) and reside in Ontario, or work in the province of Quebec and reside in Nova Scotia or New Brunswick, their Quebec provincial tax is calculated by using a tax adjustment factor which is based on the current Federal Tax Brackets for each province, as provided by CRA
Nova Scotia | New Brunswick | Ontario | |
---|---|---|---|
0 to 41,544 | 95% | 92% | 67% |
41,544 to 83,088 | 104% | 91% | 73% |
83,088 to 128,800 | 105% | 90% | 75% |
Over 128,800 | 105% | 89% | 81% |
Nova Scotia | New Brunswick | Ontario | |
---|---|---|---|
0 to 42,707 | 95% | 92% | 67% |
42,707 to 85,414 | 104% | 91% | 72% |
85,414 to 132,406 | 105% | 90% | 75% |
Over 132,406 | 105% | 89% | 80% |
3.2. Clients are reminded that each individual's own personal income situation is unique. While the above factors will assist you in your explanation, there are many other factors that may have an effect on the employee's net pay. Some of the factors to consider are: changes to the employee's province of work or residence, salary, deductions, taxable allowances and benefits, personal credits, and hardship exemptions.
3.3. Change in province of work
The income tax deducted from employees' pay is based on their province of work. In some situations, when employees change province of work, the tax liability may be such that they owe the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and/or Revenu Quebec at year end.
Employees who change their province of work at any time during the year are encouraged to review their personal tax situation in order to be aware of their tax liability upon filing at year end.
Employees who wish to have more federal and/or Quebec income tax deducted may do so by completing a "2012 Personal Tax Credits Return", form TD1 E (12) and/or, for the province of Quebec, a "Source Deductions Return 2012", form TP-1015.3-V (2012-01), and providing this documentation to their compensation advisor. For all provinces and territories, with the exception of Quebec, the deduction of additional income tax will continue to be administered by CRA. Please refer to ARCHIVED Compensation Directive 2002-012, dated March 26, 2002, entitled "Deductions at Source of Additional Income Tax".
4. Inquiries
4.1. Any inquiries on the information contained in this directive should be addressed to your Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC) Compensation Services Office.
Original Signed by
Carrie E. Roussin
Carrie E. Roussin
Director General
Compensation Sector
Accounting, Banking and Compensation
Reference(s): CJA 9007-7, 9007-8
Information Notice to Employees
Changes to the Net Pay Amount Commencing January 2012
The purpose of this notice is to provide you with information about changes to the net amount of pay commencing with the first pay of January 2012.
The following factors may affect your net pay:
Public Service Pension Plan, Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Quebec Pension Plan (QPP) Contributions
At the beginning of each year, the low rate of the two possible rates of contribution to the public service pension plan is used until the maximum level of contribution for that rate is reached. Then, the higher rate of contribution is used for the remainder of the year. Beginning with the new year, public service pension plan contributions recommence at the low rate, until such time as they reach the maximum level of the contributions for the low rate. Therefore, if you are a contributor under the public service pension plan and you compare your last pay in December to your first pay in January, you may see that you have paid a larger amount to the plan in December than in January.
For the 2012 calendar year, the contribution rate will increase by 0.4%. Effective January 1, 2012, public service pension plan contributions will be 6.2% (to a maximum of $3,106.20 for the 2012 taxation year) on all pensionable earnings below and equal to the yearly maximum pensionable earnings (YMPE) ($50,100 for the 2012 taxation year), and 8.6% on all pensionable earnings over the YMPE.
Contributions to the public service pension plan have a direct bearing on the income tax deducted at source since these contributions are deducted from the gross pay before determining the tax rate. Once the public service pension plan contributions reach the maximum level for the low rate, the contributions will increase from 6.2% to 8.6%. The larger the public service pension plan contribution, the less income tax will be withheld from your pay.
Many employees reach their maximum level of CPP and QPP contributions sometime during the year. If you reach the maximum level of CPP/QPP, you will see an increase in your net pay amount as there will no longer be CPP/QPP deductions withheld. Beginning with the new year, you will recommence paying CPP/QPP contributions until such time as you reach the maximum contribution level for 2012.
Effective January 1, 2012, the CPP rate remains at 4.95% of pensionable earnings. The maximum CPP contribution is $2,306.70 for the 2012 taxation year. The QPP rate will be increased from 4.95% to 5.025% of pensionable earnings for 2012. The maximum QPP contribution is $2,341.65 for the 2012 taxation year.
The CPP contributions provide a federal tax credit of 15%. This tax credit is applied directly to the income tax that is owing and is not dependent on the employee's income tax bracket. Please note that, effective January 1, 1998, the Quebec Tax Reform eliminated the Quebec provincial tax credit for QPP. This tax credit is now included in the basic credit amount of $10,925 for the 2012 taxation year.
Employment Insurance (EI) Premiums
Your rate of EI premiums (excluding employees working in the province of Quebec) for the 2012 taxation year will be increased from 1.78% to 1.83% of insurable earnings. The annual maximum insurable earnings will be increased from $44,200 to $45,900. If you had reached the maximum EI premiums during the previous year, you will recommence paying EI premiums in the new year until the new annual maximum premium level is reached. Once you reach the annual maximum premium deduction of $839.97 in 2012, you will see an increase in your net pay amount, as there will no longer be EI deductions withheld from your pay.
If you work in the province of Quebec, your rate of EI premiums for the 2012 taxation year will be increased from 1.41% to 1.47% of insurable earnings. The annual maximum insurable earnings will be increased from $44,200 to $45,900. If you had reached the maximum EI premiums during the previous year, you will recommence paying EI premiums in the new year until the new annual maximum premium level is reached. Once you reach the annual maximum premium deduction of $674.73 in 2012, you will see an increase in your net pay amount, as there will no longer be EI deductions withheld from your pay.
Quebec Parental Insurance Plan (QPIP)
Effective January 1, 2012, your QPIP premium rate will increase from 0.537% to 0.559% of insurable earnings. The annual maximum insurable earnings will be increased from $64,000 to $66,000. If you had reached your maximum QPIP premiums during the previous year, you will recommence paying QPIP premiums in the new year until the new annual maximum premium level is reached. Once you reach the annual maximum premium deduction of $368.94 in 2012, you will see an increase in your net pay amount, as there will no longer be QPIP deductions withheld.
Federal Tax Brackets and Rates Effective January 1, 2012
The federal income tax tables have changed as follows:
Tax brackets ($) | Tax rates |
---|---|
0 to 41,544 | 15% |
41,544 to 83,088 | 22% |
83,088 to 128,800 | 26% |
Over 128,800 | 29% |
Tax brackets ($) | Tax rates |
---|---|
0 to 42,707 | 15% |
42,707 to 85,414 | 22% |
85,414 to 132,406 | 26% |
Over 132,406 | 29% |
Canada Employment Credit
Effective January 1, 2012, the maximum amount on which the credit is calculated will be increased from $1,065 to $1,095.
Provincial and Territorial Tax Brackets and Rates Effective January 1, 2012
There are no changes to the tax brackets or rates for the provinces of Prince Edward Island, Alberta, Nova Scotia and Manitoba.
Newfoundland and Labrador
Tax brackets ($) | Tax rates |
---|---|
0 to 31,904 | 7.7% |
31,904 to 63,807 | 12.5% |
Over 63,807 | 13.3% |
Tax brackets ($) | Tax rates |
---|---|
0 to 32,893 | 7.7% |
32,893 to 65,785 | 12.5% |
Over 65,785 | 13.3% |
New Brunswick
Tax brackets ($) | Tax rates |
---|---|
0 to 37,150 | 9.1% |
37,150 to 74,300 | 12.1% |
74,300 to 120,796 | 12.4% |
Over 120,796 | 15.9% |
Tax brackets ($) | Tax rates |
---|---|
0 to 38,190 | 9.1% |
38,190 to 76,380 | 12.1% |
76,380 to 124,178 | 12.4% |
Over 124,178 | 14.3% |
Ontario
Tax brackets ($) | Tax rates |
---|---|
0 to 37,774 | 5.05% |
37,774 to 75,550 | 9.15% |
Over 75,550 | 11.16% |
Tax brackets ($) | Tax rates |
---|---|
0 to 39,020 | 5.05% |
39,020 to 78,043 | 9.15% |
Over 78,043 | 11.16% |
The provincial surtax payable has been revised as follows:
Where the basic provincial tax payable is less than or equal to $4,213 (formerly $4,078), the surtax payable is $0.
Where the basic provincial tax payable is greater than $4,213 and less than or equal to $5,392 (formerly $5,219), the surtax payable is 20% of the basic provincial tax payable in excess of $4,213.
Where the basic provincial tax payable is greater than $5,392, the surtax payable is the total of 20% of the basic provincial tax payable in excess of $4,213, and 36% of the basic provincial tax payable in excess of $5,392.
Saskatchewan
Tax brackets ($) | Tax rates |
---|---|
0 to 40,919 | 11% |
40,919 to 116,911 | 13% |
Over 116,911 | 15% |
Tax brackets ($) | Tax rates |
---|---|
0 to 42,065 | 11% |
42,065 to 120,185 | 13% |
Over 120,185 | 15% |
British Columbia
Tax brackets ($) | Tax rates |
---|---|
0 to 36,146 | 5.06% |
36,146 to 72,293 | 7.70% |
72,293 to 83,001 | 10.50% |
83,001 to 100,787 | 12.29% |
Over 100,787 | 14.70% |
Tax brackets ($) | Tax rates |
---|---|
0 to 37,013 | 5.06% |
37,013 to 74,028 | 7.70% |
74,028 to 84,993 | 10.50% |
84,993 to 103,205 | 12.29% |
Over 103,205 | 14.70% |
The provincial tax reduction is indexed and is calculated as follows:
Where net income is less than or equal to $17,913 (formerly $17,493), the reduction is equal to the lesser of (i) basic provincial tax, and (ii) $403 (formerly $394).
Where net income is greater than $17,913 and less than or equal to $30,506.75 (formerly $29,805.50), the reduction is equal to the lesser of (i) basic provincial tax, and (ii) $403 - ((Annual net income - $17,913) X 3.2%).
Where net income is greater than $30,506.75, the reduction is equal to $0.
Quebec
Tax brackets ($) | Tax rates |
---|---|
0 to 39,060 | 16% |
39,060 to 78,120 | 20% |
Over 78,120 | 24% |
Tax brackets ($) | Tax rates |
---|---|
0 to 40,100 | 16% |
40,100 to 80,200 | 20% |
Over 80,200 | 24% |
Deduction for employment income
Effective January 1, 2012, the deduction for employment income has been increased from $1,045 to $1,075.
Yukon
Tax brackets ($) | Tax rates |
---|---|
0 to 41,544 | 7.04% |
41,544 to 83,088 | 9.68% |
83,088 to 128,800 | 11.44% |
Over 128,800 | 12.76% |
Tax brackets ($) | Tax rates |
---|---|
0 to 42,707 | 7.04% |
42,707 to 85,414 | 9.68% |
85,414 to 132,406 | 11.44% |
Over 132,406 | 12.76% |
Territorial Employment Credit
Effective January 1, 2012, the maximum amount on which the credit is calculated will be increased from $1,065 to $1,095.
Northwest Territories
Tax brackets ($) | Tax rates |
---|---|
0 to 37,626 | 5.90% |
37,626 to 75,253 | 8.60% |
75,253 to 122,345 | 12.20% |
Over 122,345 | 14.05% |
Tax brackets ($) | Tax rates |
---|---|
0 to 38,679 | 5.90% |
38,679 to 77,360 | 8.60% |
77,360 to 125,771 | 12.20% |
Over 125,771 | 14.05% |
Nunavut
Tax brackets ($) | Tax rates |
---|---|
0 to 39,612 | 4.0% |
39,612 to 79,224 | 7.0% |
79,224 to 128,800 | 9.0% |
Over 128,800 | 11.5% |
Tax brackets ($) | Tax rates |
---|---|
0 to 40,721 | 4.0% |
40,721 to 81,442 | 7.0% |
81,442 to 132,406 | 9.0% |
Over 132,406 | 11.5% |
Change in province of work
The income tax deducted from your pay is based on your province of work. In some situations, when you change your province of work, your tax liability may be such that you owe the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and/or Revenu Quebec at year end.
If you change your province of work at any time during the year, you are encouraged to review your personal tax situation in order to be aware of your tax liability upon filing at year end.
Tax Adjustment Factors
If you work in the province of Quebec in the National Capital Region (NCR) and reside in Ontario, or work in the province of Quebec and reside in Nova Scotia or New Brunswick, your Quebec provincial tax is calculated by using a tax adjustment factor which is based on the current Federal Tax Brackets for each province, as provided by CRA. The tax adjustment factor will be applied against the amount of your federal tax calculated in Quebec, and the amount calculated becomes your Quebec provincial tax amount.
Nova Scotia | New Brunswick | Ontario | |
---|---|---|---|
0 to 41,544 | 95% | 92% | 67% |
41,544 to 83,088 | 104% | 91% | 73% |
83,088 to 128,800 | 105% | 90% | 75% |
Over 128,800 | 105% | 89% | 81% |
Nova Scotia | New Brunswick | Ontario | |
---|---|---|---|
0 to 42,707 | 95% | 92% | 67% |
42,707 to 85,414 | 104% | 91% | 72% |
85,414 to 132,406 | 105% | 90% | 75% |
Over 132,406 | 105% | 89% | 80% |
If you wish to have more federal and/or Quebec income tax deducted, you may do so by completing a "2012 Personal Tax Credits Return", form TD1 E (12) and/or, for the province of Quebec, a "Source Deductions Return 2012", form TP-1015.3-V (2012-01), and providing this documentation to your compensation advisor. If your department or agency has access to the Compensation Web Applications, you can activate your own additional tax deduction amount through the "Voluntary Deductions" option. Please note that, even though you activate your own additional tax deduction amount, you are still required to complete and send the form TD1 E (12) and/or the form TP-1015.3-V (2012-01) to your compensation advisor.
Any request for information regarding the content of this document should be addressed to your compensation advisor.
- Date modified: