Net Pay

Payroll

Net pay is the amount an employee actually receives after income tax, CPP, EI and any other deductions are subtracted from their gross pay, their take-home pay.

Net pay, or take-home pay, is what remains after all withholdings are subtracted from gross pay: income tax, CPP and EI, plus any voluntary deductions like group benefits or pension contributions. It is the amount deposited to the employee each pay period.

Because withholdings are based on estimated annual tax, an employee's net pay reflects an approximation that is trued up when they file their T1, resulting in a refund or balance owing. Employers must remit the withheld amounts (the gap between gross and net) to the CRA on schedule.

Example

From $5,000 of gross pay, $700 income tax, $250 CPP and $80 EI are withheld, leaving $3,970 of net pay deposited to the employee, while the withheld $1,030 plus the employer share is remitted to the CRA.

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Net Pay Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions regarding our compliance workflows and service guarantees.

Because income tax, CPP and EI are withheld from each paycheque. The difference between your gross salary and net pay is remitted to the CRA on your behalf.
Possibly. Withholding is an estimate; when you file your T1, you receive a refund if too much was withheld or owe a balance if too little was.
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