Do you have to pay tax by instalments?

On this page

• Why should you pay tax by instalments?
• What are the factors to consider?
• What is an instalment reminder?

Why should you pay tax by instalments?

If you earn income that has no tax withheld or does not have enough tax withheld for more than one year, you may have to pay tax by instalments.

This can happen if you earn rental, investment, or self-employment income, certain pension payments, or income from more than one job.

What are the factors to consider?

There are two factors to consider when determining if you have to pay tax by instalments:

• your net tax owing
• your province or territory of residence

Net tax owing

Generally, your net tax owing is the amount you owe on your tax return. The items used to calculate net tax owing (line 15) are listed in the Calculation chart for instalment payments for 2017.

You have to pay your income tax by instalments for 2017 if both of the following apply:

• your net tax owing for 2017 will be above the threshold for your province or territory ($1,800 or $3,000)
• your net tax owing in either 2016 or 2015 was above the threshold for your province or territory

You do not have to pay your income tax by instalments for 2017 if your net tax owing for 2017 will be $3,000 or less ($1,800 or less for residents of Quebec), even if you received an instalment reminder in 2017.

If you received an instalment reminder that shows an amount to pay, you may have to pay your income tax by instalments.

If your main source of income in 2017 is self-employment income from farming or fishing, you must make an instalment payment if both of the following apply:

• your net tax owing for 2017 will be above the threshold for your province or territory ($1,800 or $3,000)
• your net tax owing for 2016 and 2015 was above the threshold for your province or territory ($1,800 or $3,000)

Province or territory of residence

Your province or territory of residence will determine the threshold of net tax owing you will use when determining if you have to pay tax by instalments.

If you live in Quebec on December 31 of a year, use a limit of $1,800 of net tax owing.

If you live in any other province or territory on December 31 of a year, use a limit of $3,000 of net tax owing.

What is an instalment reminder?

An instalment reminder is sent to help you determine if you have to pay income tax by instalments. The reminder will suggest an amount to pay and list the calculation options.

We send instalment reminders to people who may have to pay tax by instalments:

• The February reminder is for the March and June payments
• The August reminder is for the September and December payments

If you only received an August reminder, see Instalment reminder received in August 2017.

If you received an instalment reminder and you are required to pay instalments but do not comply, you may have interest and penalty charges.

You can also see your instalment reminders online using My Account.

Date modified:

2017-01-03