How the contributions work
CPP is charged on earnings between the $3,500 basic exemption and the Year’s Maximum Pensionable Earnings of $74,600. The employee and employer each pay 5.95% of that amount (4.95% base plus 1% first additional contribution).
The second additional contribution (CPP2) applies to earnings between $74,600 and $85,000, at 4% each for the employee and the employer, up to $416.
EI is 1.63% of insurable earnings up to $68,900 for employees, with a maximum of $1,123.07. Employers pay 1.4 times the employee premium.
In Quebec, the Quebec Pension Plan (QPP) replaces CPP, EI is reduced to 1.30% because Quebec runs its own parental plan, and QPIP premiums are added.
What this leaves out
- Mid-year starts, age under 18 or over 70, and employees receiving a CPP retirement pension who choose to stop contributing.
- Employers with an approved premium reduction program, and EI exemptions for some owner-managers.
- Earnings from more than one employer in the same year.
- Quebec figures: we could not read the Revenu Québec pages by automated means, so the QPP, EI and QPIP rates for Quebec are cross-checked against secondary summaries. Confirm them with Revenu Québec before relying on them.
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum CPP contribution in 2026?
For employees, $4,230.45 for the base and first additional contributions, plus up to $416.00 in second additional contributions. Employers match these amounts.
What is the maximum EI premium in 2026?
Employees pay up to $1,123.07 outside Quebec (1.63% of up to $68,900 of insurable earnings). Employers pay 1.4 times that amount, $1,572.30.
Why is Quebec different?
Quebec has its own pension plan (QPP) and its own parental insurance plan (QPIP). Because of QPIP, Quebec employees pay a lower EI rate.
What is CPP2?
The second additional CPP contribution is a higher earnings tier. It applies to earnings between the Year’s Maximum Pensionable Earnings and the Year’s Additional Maximum Pensionable Earnings.
Do I get anything back for these contributions?
Part of CPP/QPP and EI contributions earns a non-refundable tax credit, and the enhanced CPP portions are deductible. The income tax calculator on this site applies both.
Last updated
Related tools
Sources
How we check
The tests compare the calculator with the maximums the CRA publishes for 2026 (CPP $4,230.45, CPP2 $416.00, EI $1,123.07, employer EI $1,572.30) and with hand calculations at $50,000 for CPP and EI.
Limits: we did not run the CRA payroll deductions online calculator. Quebec rates come from secondary summaries, not from Revenu Québec, so they are unconfirmed.