Who handles taxes & public finance?
Taxes & Public Finance
Taxation in Canada occurs at all three levels.
⚠️ Shared Jurisdiction: This area involves multiple levels of government. The information below shows the primary responsibility at each level, but overlap is common. When in doubt, start with the level most directly related to your issue.
Federal
Parliament of Canada
- ● Income tax (Canada Revenue Agency)
- ● GST/HST
- ● Carbon pricing and climate action incentive
- ● Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Harmonized Sales Tax (HST)
💡 Example: Contact the CRA about income tax, GST/HST, or carbon tax rebates, or your MP about tax policy.
Provincial
Provincial Legislature
- ● Provincial income tax
- ● Education property tax rate (set by province, collected by municipalities in most provinces)
- ● Provincial sales tax (PST) or HST administration
💡 Example: Contact your provincial finance ministry or revenue agency about provincial taxes, or your MPP/MLA/MNA about tax policy.
Municipal
City / Town Hall
- ● Property taxes (municipal rates)
- ● Tax collection and assessment appeals
💡 Example: Contact your municipal tax office about property taxes, or your councillor about local tax rates.
Quick Reference — Who to Contact
🏛️ Federal
Your Member of Parliament (MP)
🏢 Provincial
Your MPP, MLA, or MNA
🏘️ Municipal
Your City Councillor
How to Get Involved in Tax Issues
Taxation affects every Canadian's finances and public services. You can advocate for fair tax policies, tax relief, and better public spending by taking these steps:
- ● Contact your MP about federal tax changes, GST/HST policies, or tax credit programs
- ● Attend municipal council meetings to discuss local property tax rates and municipal spending priorities
Ready to Take Action?
Use MyCivicVoice to find your representatives and draft a letter about the issues that matter to you.
Take Action →Frequently Asked Questions
Canadians pay federal and provincial income tax, GST/HST, and potentially provincial sales tax (PST). Employers also deduct CPP and EI contributions from paycheques.
April 30 for most individuals. Self-employed individuals and their spouses have until June 15 to file, but any balance owing is still due April 30.
GST (5%) is the federal Goods and Services Tax. HST is the Harmonized Sales Tax used in some provinces that combine federal and provincial sales taxes into a single rate (12%-15%).
Claim tax credits on your T1 General tax return. Common credits include the basic personal amount, GST/HST credit, Canada Child Benefit, and various medical and charitable donation credits.
The CRA will charge interest (currently 8% annually) and penalties (5% of the unpaid amount, plus 1% for each month late). Set up a payment arrangement if you cannot pay in full.