Filing · Guide
Estimated tax payments in 2026: CRA instalment calculator
You generally have to pay 2026 tax instalments if your net tax owing is more than $3,000 ($1,800 in Quebec) for 2026 and in either 2025 or 2024. Payments are due March 15, June 15, September 15 and December 15, 2026.
Who has to pay instalments?
Instalments are the CRA’s system of estimated tax payments for income that has little or no tax withheld, such as self-employment, rental or investment income. Net tax owing is, broadly, the balance left on your return after tax deducted at source. If it exceeds $3,000 ($1,800 for Quebec residents) in the current year and in one of the two previous years, the CRA expects instalments.
2026 instalment due dates
If a due date falls on a weekend or public holiday, a payment received on the next business day is on time.
| Instalment | Due date |
|---|---|
| First | March 15, 2026 |
| Second | June 15, 2026 |
| Third | September 15, 2026 |
| Fourth | December 15, 2026 |
| Farmers and fishers (single payment) | December 31, 2026 |
Which payment option should you choose?
The CRA accepts three options. No-calculation: pay the amounts printed on your CRA instalment reminders. Prior-year: base the total on your 2025 return. Current-year: base it on your own 2026 estimate, including CPP on self-employment income. If you pay the full amount under any of these by each due date, the CRA does not charge instalment interest—unless a current-year estimate turns out too low.
Interest and penalties
Late or insufficient instalments can be charged interest at the CRA’s prescribed rate, and a penalty can apply when that interest is large. Paying the reminder amounts on time is the simplest way to avoid both.
Estimating your 2026 tax
To estimate the current-year figure, start from your expected 2026 income, apply the federal and provincial brackets, subtract credits and tax withheld, and add CPP owed on self-employment income.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to make estimated tax payments in Canada?
Only if your net tax owing is more than $3,000 ($1,800 in Quebec) in 2026 and in 2025 or 2024. Most employees with tax withheld at source never need to.
When are quarterly estimated tax payments due in 2026?
March 15, June 15, September 15 and December 15, 2026. Farmers and fishers make one payment by December 31.
How do I calculate my quarterly instalments?
Under the prior-year option, divide your 2025 net tax owing by four. Under the current-year option, divide your 2026 estimate by four. Or pay the amounts on your CRA reminder.
Is an instalment the same as an estimated tax return?
No. Instalments are prepayments during the year. You still file a return after the year ends, and it reconciles what you paid with what you owe.