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A corporate tax accountant earns their fee on decisions made before year end, not on the return itself. For a calendar 2026 year an Ontario corporation with $300,000 of active business income owes about $35,088 in federal and provincial tax, or 11.7%. At $600,000 the average climbs to 14.2%, because everything above $500,000 is taxed at the general rate.
What does a corporate tax accountant do that a bookkeeper doesn’t?
A bookkeeper records what happened. A corporate tax accountant decides how it’s reported, files the T2 and looks ahead. That includes how much to pay yourself as salary and how much as dividends, whether a purchase should be claimed now or later, and whether your company still qualifies for the low small business rate.
You won’t find a ranked list of firms here, or a fee quote. There’s no official source for what corporate accountants charge, and a figure from a directory site doesn’t count as one. Use this page to walk in with your own numbers and sharper questions.
What will your corporation actually pay?
The corporate tax calculator gives these results for an Ontario Canadian-controlled private corporation with all income from an active business, calendar 2026.
| Active business income | Federal tax | Ontario tax | Total | Average rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $150,000 | $13,500 | $4,044 | $17,544 | 11.7% |
| $300,000 | $27,000 | $8,088 | $35,088 | 11.7% |
| $600,000 | $60,000 | $24,980 | $84,980 | 14.2% |
The step comes from the small business limit. Federally, the net rate on the first $500,000 is 9%, and above that the general 15% applies. Ontario’s general rate is 11.5%, and its small business rate is 2.2% from 1 July 2026.
One caution. Ontario cut its small business rate from 3.2% to 2.2% in the middle of 2026. For a full calendar year the calculator uses a blend of about 2.70%, which we derived by days and which isn’t a published rate. If your year end isn’t December 31, your figure will differ, so check it with the person doing your return.
Is a corporate tax accountant near me better than one far away?
Only if you want meetings in person. Federal corporate tax is the same in every province, and provincial rates are set by the province, so distance has no effect on the rules. What matters is whether the accountant files corporate returns for a living. Ask how many T2s they prepared last year and how many were for companies like yours in size and sector.
A small-town practice that does mostly personal returns and the odd T2 is a different animal from a firm that does fifty corporate files a month. Neither is wrong. Match the one to your situation, and don’t pay for a specialist if your company is a one-person shell with a single client.
What should you bring to the first meeting?
Show up with the last two filed T2s and the notices of assessment, this year’s financial statements or at least the bookkeeping file, and a list of what you took out of the company: salary, dividends, shareholder loans, personal expenses paid by the company. Add payroll remittance records and any letters from the CRA.
It sounds boring, but it’s what turns a one-hour meeting into one that’s worth the money. An accountant who has to chase you for the basics bills for the chasing.
When are the deadlines?
The CRA’s 2026 list says a T2 is due within six months of the tax year end. The tax balance is generally due two months after year end, or three months for a Canadian-controlled private corporation claiming the small business deduction. That gap between payment and filing surprises new owners. Filing at month six doesn’t cover a payment that was due at month two.
Instalments are due monthly or quarterly, on the last day of the month or quarter. If the company needs them, your accountant should set the amounts, not guess. The CRA’s corporation income tax return page is the starting point for the T2 rules, including the electronic filing requirement.
Where do owners lose money?
Three spots come up again and again. Taking a salary or dividend without testing the total tax on the owner’s side, and the dividend tax calculator shows that side for eligible dividends. Missing the payroll remittances for an owner who pays themselves a salary, which you can size up with the payroll remittance calculator. And assuming the small business rate is guaranteed.
The calculator leaves out several things that can raise the bill. It ignores the phase-out for large taxable capital, the reduction for passive investment income, associated companies that share one limit, and any credits. It also leaves out tax on paying money out to owners. If any of those describe you, an accountant is worth it.
Where the numbers come from
Federal rates and the small business limit come from the Canada Revenue Agency‘s corporation tax rates page and T2 guide, and the Ontario rate cut from its Ontario and what’s new pages, read in September 2026. Deadlines come from the CRA’s 2026 tax deadlines page. This is an independent guide, separate from any government body.
Frequently asked questions
When is a T2 corporate return due?
Within six months of the tax year end, according to the CRA's 2026 deadlines page.
When do I have to pay the corporate tax balance?
Generally two months after year end, or three months for a CCPC claiming the small business deduction.
What is the federal small business rate?
9% net on the first $500,000 of active business income. Above the limit the general 15% applies.
Does the accountant need to be in my city?
No. The rules are the same, though a local firm can meet you in person.
What do corporate tax accountants charge?
We couldn't confirm typical fees. Ask for a written quote that lists what's included.
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