Because the individual is self-employed, both the employee and employer portions of the CPP contribution must be paid. Although the stated employee contributory rate is 5.45%, the effective self-employed rate is therefore:
5.45% × 2 = 10.90%
Income above the Year's Maximum Pensionable Earnings does not attract ordinary CPP contributions. Pensionable earnings are therefore limited to $61,600. The Year's Basic Exemption must then be deducted:
$61,600 − $3,500 = $58,100
Apply the self-employed rate:
$58,100 × 10.90% = $6,332.90
Rounded to the nearest dollar:
$6,333
Therefore, option A is correct.
The figures in the question correspond to the 2021 CPP parameters. Official federal figures confirm a 2021 YMPE of $61,600, basic exemption of $3,500, employee/employer rate of 5.45% each, and maximum self-employed contribution of $6,332.90.
This question demonstrates an essential distinction between employees and self-employed individuals: an employee pays only the employee share, whereas a self-employed person effectively bears both sides of the CPP contribution.
FPII reference/topic: Retirement Planning — Canada Pension Plan; YMPE; Year's Basic Exemption; self-employed CPP contributions.
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