Collecting EI in Alberta? Be prepared to pay taxes | CBC News (2024)

Calgary

“The fact is, it is a taxable income,” says Calgary tax specialist Cleo Hamel about collecting Employment Insurance.

Employment Insurance is a taxable income

The Calgary Eyeopener · CBC News

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Collecting EI in Alberta? Be prepared to pay taxes | CBC News (1)

Papercuts and mind-numbing math— ahhhh, the joy of tax time.

But before you file, there are some things to watch out for.

Especially if you're one of the many Albertans collecting Employment Insurance.

EI is taxable income

If it wasn't bad enough that you lost your job in 2015— you may also owesome cheddar to Canada Revenue Agency.

That's because the government only claws back 10 per cent tax on your EI cheques.

"If the minimal federal tax rate is15 per cent and then you add the minimum Alberta tax rate of 10 per cent to that — we're talking about a minimum 25 per cent tax withholding that you have to pay," said Calgary tax specialist Cleo Hamel.

"But you're only getting 10 per cent taken off your EI cheque."

Hamel says that means most people are going to have to pay something.

What the what?

For those who've paid into Employment Insurance for the majority of their professional career, it may seem backwards to have to pay tax on EI income

"The fact is, it is a taxable income," said Hamel.

"It's an insurance policy right? You're paying into your insurance policy for employment and then you hit on a bad time like we've had."

And Albertans who were only unemployed for part of 2015 may have to pay back some or all of their EI benefits.

"They might find they've exceeded the $62,000 maximum that you can collect before you have to pay back your EI benefit," she said.

Plan for it

Hamel says if you did get a severance package, you can lower your net income by putting part of it into your RRSP.The 2015 deadline for contributions is Feb. 29.

Keep your receipts for medical expense (you can even claim batteries for hearing aids) and activities for your kids.

She also says you should adjust your TFSA savings.

"The contribution limit dropped to $5,500 in 2016, down from $10,000 in 2015. Make sure you do not over-contribute or you will be penalized."

And that penalty is oneper cent for every dollar you overpaid. She saysthe government tracks how much you contribute, not how much you withdraw and then put back in.

If you don't know how much you've contributed, you can contact CRA directly at 1-800-959-8281.

Collecting EI in Alberta? Be prepared to pay taxes | CBC News (2024)

FAQs

Collecting EI in Alberta? Be prepared to pay taxes | CBC News? ›

EI is taxable income

Can you collect EI when you retire in Canada? ›

If you voluntarily retire and do not intend to look for another job, you are not eligible for EI benefits. This is because you have chosen to leave the workforce, and the purpose of EI benefits is to support individuals actively seeking employment.

What is EI tax in Canada? ›

EI Premiums

Employees are required to participate in the EI program under most scenarios. 1.63% of the employee's gross income is withheld, and the maximum insurable earnings as of 2023 are $61,500 resulting in a maximum EI contribution of $1,002 by the employee.

What does EI do? ›

Employment Insurance (EI) provides regular benefits to individuals who lose their jobs through no fault of their own (for example, due to shortage of work, or seasonal or mass lay-offs) and are available for and able to work, but can't find a job. Always apply for EI benefits as soon as you stop working.

What happens if you retire and then go back to work in Canada? ›

After you retire, you may decide to return to work for a new employer, or even for yourself. If you become employed and your new employer does not participate in the CAAT Pension Plan, you can continue to collect your CAAT Plan pension, as well as your income from employment.

How much pension do you get in Canada if you never worked? ›

The Old Age Security Pension is available to any Canadian who has lived in the country for at least ten years and is over the age of 65, even if they did not work. Many payees can get as much as $625 a month depending on age and income status.

How much is EI in Alberta? ›

For most people, the basic rate for calculating Employment Insurance (EI) benefits is 55% of their average insurable weekly earnings, up to a maximum amount. As of January 1, 2024, the maximum yearly insurable earnings amount is $63,200. This means that you can receive a maximum amount of $668 per week.

Who is exempt from CPP and EI in Canada? ›

All employees must contribute to the CPP and EI plans, however the following situations will exempt an employee from contributing to the CPP plan: Under the age of 18. CPP commences the month following the employee's 18th birthday. At age 70, CPP contributions will cease even though employment may continue.

Is CPP mandatory in Canada? ›

Contributions to CPP are compulsory for all working Canadians aged 18-70. Employees and employers contribute equally on earnings that are between the Basic Exemption amount and the Year's Maximum Pensionable Earnings (YMPE). In 2023, contributions on those earnings are 5.95% by employees and 5.95% by employers.

What is the tax rate in Alberta? ›

The tax rates in Alberta range from 10% to 15% of income and the combined federal and provincial tax rate is between 25% and 48%.

How much can a senior citizen make without paying taxes in Canada? ›

If you're 65 years or older at the end of the tax year, you can claim a non-refundable tax credit towards your federal taxes. To qualify, your net income must be less than $39,826, and the amount you may claim varies depending on your income. For your 2022 tax return, the age amount is $7,898.

What is the new tax law for 2024? ›

For single taxpayers and married individuals filing separately, the standard deduction rises to $14,600 for 2024, an increase of $750 from 2023; and for heads of households, the standard deduction will be $21,900 for tax year 2024, an increase of $1,100 from the amount for tax year 2023.

What is EI in Alberta? ›

The Employment Insurance (EI) program provides temporary income support to unemployed workers while they look for employment or to upgrade their skills. The EI program also provides special benefits to workers who take time off work due to specific life events: illness. pregnancy.

How does EI work in Alberta? ›

Employment Insurance (EI) is a government program in Alberta that provides temporary financial assistance to individuals who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own. Provided by Canada's federal government, It is designed to help unemployed workers while they look for new employment or upgrade their skills.

What benefits do you get when you retire in Canada? ›

CPP Retirement pension

The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) retirement pension is a monthly, taxable benefit that replaces part of your income when you retire. If you qualify, you'll receive the CPP retirement pension for the rest of your life.

How many years do you have to work in Canada to get a full pension? ›

To receive the maximum CPP amount you must contribute to the CPP for at least 39 of the 47 years from ages 18 to 65.

Who is eligible for retirement benefits in Canada? ›

To qualify for a Canada Pension Plan (CPP) retirement pension, you must: be at least 60 years old. have made at least one valid contribution to the CPP.

How long does EI last in Canada? ›

You can receive EI from 14 weeks up to a maximum of 45 weeks, depending on the unemployment rate in your region at the time of filing your claim and the amount of insurable hours you've accumulated in the last 52 weeks or since your last claim, whichever is shorter.

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