In Canada, federal and provincial income tax is paid on all earnings. The national Goods and Services Tax (GST) is applied to all retail sales, including some food items. Homeowners also pay city property taxes, which vary based on the value of a home.

The amount of your federal tax depends on your income. It is a progressive tax, which means that lower income earners pay a lower percentage of tax on their income than higher earners. Alberta tax is a flat tax, but it is still quite low compared to the rest of Canada.

You will file both your federal and provincial income tax at the same time each year on or before April 30. The most common forms are available at Service Canada centres and at most post offices, but if you are unsure you should check to see what forms are appropriate, for example if you are self-employed you may require special forms. You can fill out your forms by yourself, hire an accountant or a tax service, or file online.