The personal income tax is collected under the authority of Nova Scotia’s Income Tax Act (PDF).
The provincial personal income tax is calculated on an individual’s taxable income amount. The federal government defines the calculation of personal taxable income including: employment income, interest gains or losses, various tax deductions.
The Province sets the tax rates and taxable income brackets for Nova Scotia. Both federal and provincial taxes are determined through the annual tax return to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
Personal Income Tax Indexation
The indexation of taxable income brackets and certain non-refundable tax credits implemented through Budget 2024 will be effective starting with the 2025 tax year.
The Personal Income Tax Indexation Regulations under the Income Tax Act prescribes the consumer price index (CPI) amount for a given taxation year. For the 2025 taxation year the personal income tax system is indexed at a rate of 3.1% (OIC 2024-36).
Taxable income brackets and maximum non-refundable tax credit amounts
Taxable income brackets and the maximum non-refundable tax credit amounts that can be claimed for tax year 2024 and the maximum indexed amounts that can be claimed for 2025 are calculated as part of your NS428 worksheet.
|
Tax Rate
|
2024 Tax Year
|
2025 Tax year
|
Taxable Income Brackets (Indexed)
|
8.79%
|
$29,590
|
$30,507
|
14.95%
|
$59,180
|
$61,015
|
16.67%
|
$93,000
|
$95,883
|
17.5%
|
$150,000
|
$154,650
|
21%
|
over $150,000
|
over $154,650
|
Non-refundable Tax Credits Indexed (maximum amounts)
|
Basic Personal Amount
|
$11,481
|
$11,744
|
Spouse or Common-law Partner Amount
|
$11,481
|
$11,744
|
Amount for an Eligible Dependent
|
$11,481
|
$11,744
|
Amount for Infirm Dependents Age 18 or Older
|
$2,798
|
$2,885
|
Age Amount
|
$5,606
|
$5,734
|
Other provincial income tax credits
Other provincial tax credits are administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Income tax guides and forms are on the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) website for a complete list of personal income tax credits and deductions administered by the CRA on behalf of the province.
Other Non-Refundable Tax Credits (maximum amounts)
|
Pension Income Amount
|
$1,173
|
$1,173
|
Caregiver Amount
|
$4,898
|
$4,898
|
Disability Amount
|
$10,790
|
$10,790
|
Age tax credit
|
$1,000
|
$1,000
|
Refundable Tax Credits (maximum amounts)
|
Labour-sponsored venture capital tax credit
|
$2,000
|
$2,000
|
NS Political Contributions Tax Credit
|
$750
|
$750
|
Children’s Sports and Arts Tax Credit (Form NS479)
|
$500
|
$500
|
Volunteer Firefighters and Ground Search & Rescue Tax Credit (Form NS479)
|
$500
|
$500
|
Province of Nova Scotia Personal Income Tax Credits or Refund of Provincial Income Tax Paid
The province administers certain tax credits directly. Personal income tax credits or refunds of provincial personal income administered by the province include:
Low Income Tax Reduction
The Nova Scotia personal income tax system provides an additional tax reduction for individuals and families with low incomes. Depending on adjusted family income, this reduction could decrease a family’s taxes by $300 for the taxfiler plus $300 for a spouse or eligible dependent plus $165 per dependent child.