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Personal Income Tax & Credits

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.

Personal Income Tax & Credits

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The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) administers the personal income tax on behalf of the Province. The CRA can answer your personal income tax questions for both federal and provincial income tax systems.


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