CPP, CPP2, income tax & El rates for 2026 are here

The specific CPP and EI contribution rates, along with the maximum pensionable and insurable earnings for 2025/2026, are set by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Our downloadable cheatsheet provides a clear, one-page summary of all these official numbers, including employer and employee portions, so you can update your payroll with confidence.

Staying compliant means using the correct 2025 rates for every pay run from January 1st onwards. Manually tracking these changes is risky. Using our cheatsheet gives you a reliable reference to check against your payroll software, helping you avoid mistakes, employee complaints and potential CRA penalties.

CPP and EI rates are adjusted annually based on factors like the average Canadian wage growth and the financial needs of the national pension and employment insurance programs. These changes ensure the sustainability of these essential social programs for all Canadians.

The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) applies to all provinces and territories except Quebec, which has its own Quebec Pension Plan (QPP). While they serve similar purposes, their contribution rates and maximums can differ. Our guide includes specific callouts to help businesses in Quebec navigate their unique obligations.

The best way to simplify payroll is to automate it. While our cheatsheet is an essential tool for reference and double-checking, using an all-in-one payroll and HR platform like Employment Hero removes the guesswork. The system automatically updates with the latest CPP, EI, and tax rates, so your payroll stays accurate and compliant without the manual effort.