What taxes do small businesses pay in BC?
Sarah Garza
Updated on March 08, 2026
B.C. has two rates of corporation income tax – the general rate and the lower small business rate. The lower small business rate is applicable to Canadian-controlled private corporations (CCPCs) with active business income eligible for the federal small business deduction.
How are small businesses taxed in Canada?
In Canada’s federal tax system, the small business tax rate is the tax rate paid by a small business. As of 2019, the small business tax rate is 9% The general corporate tax rate is 28%. Additionally, each province or territory operates its own corporate tax system, with varying treatment for small businesses.
What taxes do small businesses pay?
Small businesses of all types pay an average tax rate of approximately 19.8 percent, according to the Small Business Administration. Small businesses with one owner pay a 13.3 percent tax rate on average and ones with more than one owner pay 23.6 percent on average.
How much tax do businesses pay in BC?
British Columbia’s general corporate income tax rate is only 12%. When combined with the federal rate, British Columbia businesses pay a combined general corporate income tax rate of 27% — among the lowest in the G7.
Do you have to file taxes your first year in business?
In the initial year(s) of business, U.S. partnerships do not need to file a federal return if the business hasn’t received income or incurred any expenses treated as deductions or credits for federal income tax purposes.
Do businesses have to pay income tax?
All businesses except partnerships must file an annual income tax return. The federal income tax is a pay-as-you-go tax. You must pay the tax as you earn or receive income during the year. An employee usually has income tax withheld from his or her pay.
What kind of tax return do you need for a small business in Canada?
If your small business is incorporated, you will need to report your business income on a T2 corporate income tax return. Legally, your incorporated small business is a separate entity and must complete and file its own Canadian income tax return.
What is the business tax rate in British Columbia?
The lower small business rate applies to active business income up to the B.C. business limit of: The general rate applies to income over $500,000 and any income that is not eligible for the lower small business rate (e.g. investment income).
What makes a business a small business in Canada?
For more information after consulting these links, go to Small business and self-employed income. For income tax purposes, we define a business as an activity where there is a reasonable expectation of profit and there is evidence to support that intention.
Are there any tax incentives for small businesses in Canada?
Many small businesses are under the impression that scientific research and experimental development (SR&ED) tax incentives are something that only larger or incorporated businesses can use. However, the SR&ED Tax Credit Program may also apply to your small business. Gifts to Employees as Canadian Income Tax Deductions.