topic Why does TurboTax shows basic pay close to $10,000 rather then the $15,000 stated by government? in Getting started

Why does TurboTax shows basic pay close to $10,000 rather then the $15,000 stated by government?

gaurav-chodry09 — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 10:20:35 GMT

Re: Why does TurboTax shows basic pay close to $10,000 rather then the $15,000 stated by government?

TurboTaxAniqua — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 15:10:30 GMT

The Basic Personal Amount (BPA) is a non-refundable tax credit that applies to all Canadians. The Federal BPA is $16,129 for the 2025 taxation year. Make sure to check out the BPA for your province of residence as well.

The Basic Personal Amount (BPA) shown in TurboTax is a non-refundable tax credit—calculated as 15% of the total BPA—not the full $15,000+ income amount itself. For 2023, the federal BPA is $15,000, but the credit applied to reduce tax owed is $15,000 x 15% = $2,250. The higher $15,000 figure is the income threshold, not the credit value.

The $15,000+ figure is the maximum income you can earn before paying federal tax, but tax software calculates the tax savings (credit) based on the lowest tax bracket (15%).

If your net income is above certain thresholds (e.g., above in 2022), the $15,000+ BPA is gradually reduced (clawed back), which might display a lower value.

Canada Taxes 2025: Federal Tax Brackets, Rates and Credits

If you have further questions, we suggest contacting the CRA: 1-800-959-8281.

Thank you for choosing TurboTax.

Re: Why does TurboTax shows basic pay close to $10,000 rather then the $15,000 stated by government?

gaurav-chodry09 — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 02:55:22 GMT

Thank you for the information! However, I was indeed talking about the BPA and clearly distinguish the BPA from tax credit.
My query still stands: When I file my taxes through this portal, It only takes my BPA as $10,000 rather then the said $16,129 for the 2025 taxation year. And there seems to be no way to change that! And yes the net income is $16,129 > 57,375.

Re: Why does TurboTax shows basic pay close to $10,000 rather then the $15,000 stated by government?

TurboTaxAniqua — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 14:26:07 GMT

We suggest you contact our Product support team. They have access to tools we don't have here in Community, like screenshare, and can investigate this issue for you.

Feel free to let us know the result.