How Pension Income Is Taxed in Canada
Pension income such as CPP, OAS and workplace pensions is taxable and is added to your other income at your normal tax rates. Tax may be withheld at source; you can reduce what you owe with the pension income amount, pension income splitting, and other credits for seniors.
What's taxable
OAS (T4A(OAS) slip), CPP (T4A(P)), and workplace and private pensions (T4A) are reported as income. Your federal and provincial rates depend on your total taxable income: see the 2026 federal tax brackets.
Tax withheld at source
Pension payers deduct tax from payments; for pension income, the CRA tells payers to use its Payroll Deductions Online Calculator. If too little is withheld, you'll owe at tax time.
Ways to lower the tax
- Pension income amount: up to $2,000.
- Pension income splitting: shift up to 50% to your spouse.
- Watch the OAS clawback threshold if your income is high.
Related
Sources
- Line 31400 (CRA) (canada.ca)
- Pension income splitting (CRA) (canada.ca)
- Payroll Deductions Online Calculator (CRA) (canada.ca)
- OAS recovery tax (canada.ca)
North Help Desk is an independent guide, not a government website. Rules, amounts and phone hours can change; always confirm on the official page before you act. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.