Canada Revenue Agency announces maximum pensionable earnings for 2016
November 2, 2015 – Ottawa – Canada Revenue Agency
The Canada Revenue Agency announced today that the maximum pensionable earnings under the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) for 2016 will be $54,900—up from $53,600 in 2015. The new ceiling was calculated according to a CPP legislated formula that takes into account the growth in average weekly wages and salaries in Canada.
Contributors who earn more than $54,900 in 2016 are not required or permitted to make additional contributions to the CPP.
The basic exemption amount for 2016 remains $3,500.
The employee and employer contribution rates for 2016 will remain unchanged at 4.95%, and the self-employed contribution rate will remain unchanged at 9.9%.
The maximum employer and employee contribution to the plan for 2016 will be $2,544.30 each and the maximum self-employed contribution will be $5,088.60. The maximums in 2015 were $2,479.95 and $4,959.90.
Quick facts
- The CPP applies in every province and territory in Canada with the exception of Quebec, where the Quebec Pension Plan (QPP) provides similar pensions and benefits.
- Every employed Canadian over the age of 18 must contribute to the CPP (QPP for those employed in Quebec) to qualify for a retirement pension.
- Contributions to the CPP end when a contributor turns 70.
- The CPP provides retirement, disability and survivor benefits and pensions to contributors and their families.
Associated Links
- Canada Pension Plan (CRA)
- Canada Pension Plan (Service Canada)
- Types of Pension Plans (Service Canada)
CPP contribution rates, maximums and exemptions
| Year | Maximum annual pensionable earnings | Basic exemption amount | Maximum contributory earnings | Employee and employer contribution rate (%) | Maximum annual employee and employer contribution | Maximum annual self-employed contribution |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | $55,300 | $3,500 | $51,800 | 4.95 | $2,564.10 | $5,128.20 |
| 2016 | $54,900 | $3,500 | $51,400 | 4.95 | $2,544.30 | $5,088.60 |
| 2015 | $53,600 | $3,500 | $50,100 | 4.95 | $2,479.95 | $4,959.90 |
| 2014 | $52,500 | $3,500 | $49,000 | 4.95 | $2,425.50 | $4,851.00 |
| 2013 | $51,100 | $3,500 | $47,600 | 4.95 | $2,356.20 | $4,712.40 |
| 2012 | $50,100 | $3,500 | $46,600 | 4.95 | $2,306.70 | $4,613.40 |
| 2011 | $48,300 | $3,500 | $44,800 | 4.95 | $2,217.60 | $4,435.20 |
| 2010 | $47,200 | $3,500 | $43,700 | 4.95 | $2,163.15 | $4,326.30 |
| 2009 | $46,300 | $3,500 | $42,800 | 4.95 | $2,118.60 | $4,237.20 |
| 2008 | $44,900 | $3,500 | $41,400 | 4.95 | $2,049.30 | $4,098.60 |
| 2007 | $43,700 | $3,500 | $40,200 | 4.95 | $1,989.90 | $3,979.80 |
| 2006 | $42,100 | $3,500 | $38,600 | 4.95 | $1,910.70 | $3,821.40 |
| 2005 | $41,100 | $3,500 | $37,600 | 4.95 | $1,861.20 | $3,722.40 |
| 2004 | $40,500 | $3,500 | $37,000 | 4.95 | $1,831.50 | $3,663.00 |
| 2003 | $39,900 | $3,500 | $36,400 | 4.95 | $1,801.80 | $3,603.60 |
| 2002 | $39,100 | $3,500 | $35,600 | 4.70 | $1,673.20 | $3,346.40 |
| 2001 | $38,300 | $3,500 | $34,800 | 4.30 | $1,496.40 | $2,992.80 |
| 2000 | $37,600 | $3,500 | $34,100 | 3.90 | $1,329.90 | $2,373.00 |
| 1999 | $37,400 | $3,500 | $33,900 | 3.50 | $1,186.50 | $2,373.00 |
| 1998 | $36,900 | $3,500 | $33,400 | 3.20 | $1,068.80 | $2,137.60 |
| 1997 | $35,800 | $3,500 | $32,300 | 2.925 1 | $944.78 | $1,889.55 |
1 For 1997, the CPP rate was adjusted to 3.0% with a payment on filing the T1 tax return (maximum $969).
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