Question 1

How do I estimate my OINP income tax history points?

Accepted Answer

Take your highest annual assessed income from a CRA Notice of Assessment in the last five years. $70,000 or more scores 8 points, $50,000 to $69,999 scores 6, $30,000 to $49,999 scores 4, and under $30,000 scores nothing. This tool converts hourly, weekly or monthly pay into an annual figure so you can see which band you fall into.

Question 2

Which year do I use for the OINP tax history factor?

Accepted Answer

Your highest earning year within the last five, not your most recent. If you earned more three years ago, that is the year you claim.

Question 3

Is the OINP tax factor based on gross or net income?

Accepted Answer

Gross assessed income as it appears on your Notice of Assessment, before tax, not your take home pay. Using net income will understate your band and can cost you points.

Question 4

Does this estimator replace my Notice of Assessment?

Accepted Answer

No. It estimates which band you are likely to fall into so you can plan. When you apply you must produce the actual Notice of Assessment for the year you claim, and Ontario scores the assessed figure, not your estimate.

Question 5

Does income earned outside Canada count?

Accepted Answer

No. The factor is based on a CRA Notice of Assessment, so only income reported to the Canada Revenue Agency counts. Foreign earnings score nothing here.

Question 6

What if I haven't filed a tax return for my best year?

Accepted Answer

An unfiled year cannot be claimed. Filing a late return takes weeks, which is another reason to sort this out before the 30-day expression of interest window opens.

Income tax history estimator

How to use this properly

Tax estimator FAQ

Unfiled returns quietly cost points