This page describes the taxation of your stock options in Canada when you have transfered to GitLab Canada Corp. as your employer. The information on this page should be used for discussion purposes only. For any personal advice please reach out to a tax professional.
Stock Option Plan
Taxed at Exercise
The "spread", i.e. Difference between the Offer Price and Exercise Price
Taxed at Exercise: GitLab must withhold income tax on the taxable amount and remit the tax in accordance with the standard payroll practice. Both federal and provincial taxes are imposed. The maximum federal income tax rate is 33% on annual income greater than CAD 210,371. The maximum combined federal and provincial tax rates are as follows:
Yes (capped)
Yes (capped)
54%
GitLab must withhold employee social insurance contributions and remit both employee and employer social insurance contributions in accordance with the standard payroll practice. Employee and employer rates are imposed at the same rate and subject to the same contribution ceiling: 5.10% Canada Pension Plan contributions on annual income up to CAD 57,400 (subject to basic exemption of CAD 3,500). For employees in Quebec: 5.55% Quebec Pension Plan contributions on annual income up to CAD 57,400 (subject to basic exemption of CAD 3,500).
In addition, the equity award income also must be included in the local employer's total payroll for purposes of calculating employer-paid health tax and similar payroll taxes in certain provinces including British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba, and Newfoundland.
GitLab must report the equity award income on Form RC107 with the CRA, generally, by the 15th day of the month following the month in which the taxable event occurs.
Annual Tax Reporting: GitLab must report the equity award income on Form T4, which must be filed with the CRA by the end of February of the year following the year in which the taxable event occurs. A copy of the T4 also must be provided to the employee by the end of February of the year following the year in which the taxable event occurs.
For employees in Quebec: Form RL-1 also is due by the end of February of the year following the year in which the taxable event occurs.
