How Employment Insurance (EI) Works for Business Owners
Key Differences:
Business owners with more than 40% share and self-employed individuals can opt into Employment Insurance (EI), while employees are required to contribute. Notably, incorporated business owners and self-employed Canadians are ineligible for EI benefits related to job loss. However, they can claim special benefits such as maternity, parental, sickness, compassionate care, and family caregiver benefits.
Exemption from EI Contributions:
By default, business owners and self-employed individuals do not need to contribute to EI unless they choose to opt in. To access any benefits, they must pay EI premiums for a minimum of 12 months and cannot opt out after enrolling.
Family Members’ Premiums:
If family members work in a business and are not at arm's length with the employer, their earnings are not insurable, meaning no EI premiums are required.
Recovering Overpaid Contributions:
Business owners can recover overpaid EI contributions by submitting form PD24 to the CRA within three years of the overpayment.
EI Premium Requirements:
If they opt into EI, business owners only pay the employee portion of premiums, which is capped at $1,049.12 for 2024.
How to Register as Self-Employed:
To register, visit Service Canada’s EI page for self-employed individuals, log into or create a My Service Canada Account, and complete the registration form with personal and self-employment details. Business owners must agree to terms, including paying premiums for at least one year before claiming benefits. Once registered, they start paying EI premiums based on their income when filing taxes.
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