What Is a Personal Services Business in Canada? Tax Rates, Rules & Strategies

If you’re a consultant, contractor, or freelancer operating through a corporation in Canada, you need to understand Personal Services Business (PSB) rules. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has strict guidelines about who qualifies for small business tax benefits—and who doesn’t.

Failing to recognize when your corporation is classified as a PSB can lead to unexpected taxes, audits, and penalties. On the flip side, if you know the rules, there are strategies to reduce your tax burden legally and efficiently.

This guide will break it all down:

• What is a personal services business?

• How do PSB tax rates compare to regular corporate or self-employed tax rates?

• What kinds of businesses are commonly classified as PSBs?

• How can you pay yourself from a corporation if you’re considered a PSB?

• Can setting up two corporations and charging management fees help reduce PSB tax liability?

Let’s get started.

What Is a Personal Services Business (PSB)?

A Personal Services Business is a corporation that exists mainly to provide services that an individual would usually perform as an employee. Essentially, if you’re working for one main client but have incorporated to get paid, the CRA may consider your corporation a PSB.

CRA’s PSB Criteria:

Your corporation might be a PSB if:

1. You (the shareholder) personally perform the services.

2. If not for the corporation, you would likely be considered an employee of the client.

3. You employ fewer than five full-time employees throughout the year.

4. The services are provided to clients directly by you, not subcontractors or a team.

Why Does It Matter?

Because PSBs are taxed at much higher rates and don’t get the same deductions and credits available to regular small businesses.

If you run a consulting or contracting business but are working like an employee with one client, CRA wants to ensure you’re not just using a corporation to avoid payroll taxes or defer personal income tax.

Examples of Businesses Often Considered PSBs

CRA judges each case individually, but certain industries are more likely to trigger PSB classification, including:

• IT Consultants & Software Developers
  (working for one tech company under contract)

• Financial Consultants & Accountants
  (contracting for one major client)

• Management Consultants
  (providing leadership or advisory services to one organization)

• Engineers, Architects, or Designers
  (if contracted long-term by a single firm)

• Trainers, Coaches, or Educators
  (working exclusively with one client)

• Freelancers of all types
  (who essentially function as staff for their client)

If your corporation has multiple clients, hires employees, or operates an independent business with business risk, you’re less likely to be classified as a PSB.

Personal Services Business Tax Rate in Canada (2025)

Being classified as a PSB means you lose access to the small business deduction and other corporate tax advantages.

Tax Rate for Incorporated PSBs:

Compare that to the small business tax rate of about 12.2% in Ontario for Canadian-controlled private corporations (CCPCs). The difference is massive.

Why So High?

PSBs are taxed as if the income is employment income, but without the employment benefits like EI, CPP matching, or vacation pay. CRA wants to prevent unfair tax deferral or splitting that would otherwise occur through a corporation.

Tax Rate for Self-Employed Professionals (Unincorporated)

If you’re self-employed but not incorporated, your income is taxed at personal income tax rates.

Self-employed individuals pay CPP premiums, but no EI.

Paying Yourself from a PSB Corporation: What Are the Options?

If you operate a PSB, there are still ways to extract income from your corporation, but each has tax implications.

1. Salary

• Deductible expense for the corporation

• Taxed as employment income (source deductions required)

• Reduces corporate income (helps minimize PSB tax)

2. Dividends

• Paid from after-tax corporate income

• Not deductible for the corporation

• Taxed personally at dividend rates (varies by province)

3. Management Fees

• Paid to another corporation for services

• Must be reasonable, arm’s length, and legitimate

• CRA scrutinizes this closely, especially for related parties

Recommended Approach:

For most PSBs, paying yourself a salary is usually the safest and most tax-effective way to avoid double taxation. It allows you to deduct the salary from PSB income, reducing your corporate tax bill.

Can You Use Two Corporations to Reduce PSB Tax?

Some consultants and contractors consider setting up two corporations as a strategy:

1. Operating Company (PSB income)

2. Management Company (charges fees to the PSB)

How It Works:

• The operating company earns PSB income.

• The management company charges management fees to the operating company.

• The management company may qualify for small business deductions if it’s not a PSB.

Is This Legal?

It can be, but only if:

• The management company performs real services (admin, HR, marketing, bookkeeping, etc.).

• The fees are reasonable and market-based.

• The structure is well-documented and not just for tax avoidance.

Risks:

• CRA can deny deductions for management fees if they are seen as artificial or excessive.

• If the management company is simply a shell, CRA can reassess taxes, charge penalties, and apply interest.

Potential Benefits:

If done correctly, this strategy can:

• Split income between two corporations

• Access the small business tax rate in the management company

• Lower your overall effective tax rate

Real-World Example:

Imagine you’re an IT contractor in Ontario earning $200,000 annually through a PSB.

How Tax4Less.ca Can Help You Save

Tax4Less.ca specializes in working with consultants, contractors, and small business owners. We can help you:

• Determine if you’re at risk of being classified as a PSB

• Structure your business properly to minimize taxes legally

• Set up management companies or corporate structures the right way

• Avoid CRA audits and penalties

• Plan your salary, dividends, and management fees effectively

Don’t Let the PSB Tax Rules Cost You Thousands

If you’re operating as a PSB—or think you might be—it’s critical to get professional advice now. Poor planning can lead to surprise tax bills, but smart strategies can help you keep more of what you earn.

✅ Contact Tax4Less.ca to Get Started

Book a consultation and get real answers tailored to your situation.

📞 Call us: 647‑825‑4243
📧 Email: tax.nehal@gmail.com
💼 Visit: https://www.tax4less.ca