Tools that do the math with you
Free calculators and guides I built for freelancers — the same ones I point my own clients to first.
Ontario HST Calculator
Enter an amount before tax to see the 13% Ontario HST and the total including tax.
GST/HST rates vary by province and transaction. Confirm the rate that applies to your situation.
Freelancer Take-Home Estimate
Uses a simple 25% planning set-aside on monthly profit after the expenses you enter.
The 25% figure is a planning cushion, not a prediction of your tax bill. Your actual income tax and CPP obligations depend on your full circumstances.
Sole proprietor or corporation?
Three questions. Most freelancers start as sole proprietors — simple, cheap, income on your personal return. Incorporation can save tax once profits are high enough to keep money in the company, but adds cost and paperwork. Where do you land?
1. How much profit do you expect in a year?
2. Do you need most of that profit to live on?
3. A separate tax return and extra paperwork?
Freelancer Finance Starter Kit
Get your freelance finances out of your head — and into one clear workbook. Track income, organize expenses, follow invoices, and review your month at a glance. Enter your details and the Excel download begins automatically.
Free PDF guides
Freelancer Bookkeeping Checklist
Your 13-point monthly routine. Print it, pin it, never miss a step.
Download free PDF ⭳GST/HST Cheat Sheet
Every 2026 rate, threshold, and deadline on two pages.
Download free PDF ⭳Sole Proprietor vs Corporation
Which one are you? Find out in 5 minutes.
Download free PDF ⭳A question about your books?
Ask JCO — the free guide on our home page sorts out deadlines, expenses, sales tax, payroll, and setting up your books, one step at a time.