Financial Data and Charitable Donors

Preliminary Estimates, T1 Family File

User's Guide

Table of contents

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Data Source
Data Frequency
Data Quality
Confidentiality and Rounding
RRSP Contributors (product #17C0006)
RRSP Contribution Limits (ROOM) (product # 17C0011)
Canadian Savers (product #17C0009)
Canadian Investors (product #17C0007)
Canadian Investment Income (product #17C0008)
Canadian Taxfilers (product #17C0010)
Charitable Donations (product #13C0014)
Canadian Capital Gains (product #17C0012)
Statistical Tables - Footnotes and Historical Availability
Glossary of Terms
Geography

• Postal Geography
• Census Geography
• User-defined areas:

Geographic Levels – Postal Geography

• Adding Postal Areas Without Duplication
• City identification number (CityID)
• Hierarchy of postal geography

Geographic Levels – Census Geography
Geographic Levels – Special Geography
We Invite Your Comments
List of available data products

Income Statistics Division
Statistics Canada
STATCAN.income-revenu.STATCAN@statcan.gc.ca
February 2016

Text begins

Data Source

The financial and donors databanks are derived from income tax returns. For the most part, tax returns were filed in the spring of the year following the reference year. For example, for the 2014 tax year, most income tax returns were filed by April 30, 2015.

Demographic characteristics such as age are given as of December 31 of the tax year. Income information is for the calendar year under review.

The data for the products associated with this release are derived from an early version of a file that Statistics Canada receives from Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). The file benefits from timeliness, but loses some accuracy because of it. This earlier tax file, often referred to as the T1 preliminary file, contains about 97% of the records on the CRA file received four to five months later.

Data Frequency

Data are updated on an annual basis.

Data Quality

i) Number of Canadian taxfilers

The data used are direct counts from T1 preliminary tax file. For the 2014 tax year, 25.9 million Canadians or 72.5% filed tax returns.

ii) Elderly population

Some elderly Canadians receiving only Old Age Security and Guaranteed Income Supplement do not file because they have low or no taxable income. However, with the introduction of the Federal Sales Tax (FST) Credit in 1986 and the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Credit in 1990, the percentage of the elderly population filing tax returns has increased.

iii) Low Income

Persons below a certain level of income with low income have no tax liability and are not required to file tax returns. However, with the introduction of the Child Tax Credit in 1978, the Federal Sales Tax (FST) Credit in 1986, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Credit in 1990, and the Child Tax Benefits in 1993, persons with low income are still likely to file tax returns in order to apply for these credits.

Confidentiality and Rounding

Over the years since its creation, the T1 Family File (T1FF) has become known as a reliable, annual source for income and demographic estimates. To protect the confidentiality of Canadians, all data are subject to the confidentiality procedures of rounding and suppression.

All counts are rounded. Rounding may increase, decrease, or cause no change to counts. Rounding can affect the results obtained from calculations. For example, when calculating percentages from rounded data, results may be distorted as both the numerator and denominator have been rounded. The distortion can be greatest with small numbers.

Starting with the 2007 data, all aggregate amounts are rounded to the nearest $5,000 dollars. Also as of 2007, median incomes in the data tables are rounded to the nearest ten dollars (prior to 2007 they were rounded to the nearest hundred dollars).

Since 1990, data cells represent counts of 15 or greater, and are rounded to a base of 10. For example, a cell count of 15 would be rounded to 20 and a cell count of 24 would be rounded to 20.

Note: Counts represent the number of persons. Reported amounts are aggregate dollar amounts reported.

In the data tables:
Medians, Percentiles and Average amount are rounded to the nearest ten dollars.
Percentages are published with no decimal and calculated on rounded data; therefore, the sum of percentages might not equal 100% in the case of small counts.

Suppressed Data

To maintain confidentiality, data cells have been suppressed whenever:

• areas comprise less than 100 taxfilers;
• cells represent less than 15 taxfilers;
• cells were dominated by a single filer;

Suppressed data may occur:

i) Within one area:

• when one of the income categories is suppressed, a second category must also be suppressed to avoid disclosure of confidential data by subtraction (called residual disclosure);
• when one of the gender categories is suppressed, the other gender category must also be suppressed to avoid residual disclosure;
• when one age group category is suppressed, another age group must also be suppressed to avoid residual disclosure.

ii) Between areas:

• when a variable amount in one area is suppressed, that variable amount is also suppressed in another area to prevent disclosure by subtraction.

RRSP Contributors (product #17C0006)

This databank provides information on taxfilers who contributed to a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) during the tax year under review.

The content of the databank is as follows:

Table 1: Summary
Column 1 – City identification number
Column 2 – Postal area
Column 3 – Postal walk (no longer available)
Column 4 – Level of geography (see geography section)
Column 5 – Place name
Column 6 – Total number of taxfilers
Column 7 – Number of RRSP contributors
Column 8 – Average age of RRSP contributors
Column 9 – Median employment income of RRSP contributors
Column 10 – 75th percentile of employment income of RRSP contributors
Column 11 – Amount of RRSP dollars reported (in thousands of dollars)
Column 12 – Median RRSP contribution

Table 2: Age groups
Column 1 – City identification number
Column 2 – Postal area
Column 3 – Postal walk (no longer available)
Column 4 – Level of geography (see geography section)
Column 5 – Place name
Column 6 – Total number of taxfilers
Column 7 – Total number of RRSP contributors
Column 8 – Percent of contributors 0 to 24 years of age
Column 9 – Percent of contributors 25 to 34 years of age
Column 10 – Percent of contributors 35 to 44 years of age
Column 11 – Percent of contributors 45 to 54 years of age
Column 12 – Percent of contributors 55 to 64 years of age
Column 13 – Percent of contributors 65+ years of age
Column 14 – Total amount of RRSP dollars reported (in thousands of dollars)
Column 15 – Percent of contributions reported by age group 0 to 24
Column 16 – Percent of contributions reported by age group 25 to 34
Column 17 – Percent of contributions reported by age group 35 to 44
Column 18 – Percent of contributions reported by age group 45 to 54
Column 19 – Percent of contributions reported by age group 55 to 64
Column 20 – Percent of contributions reported by age group 65+

Table 3: Sex
Column 1 – City identification number
Column 2 – Postal area
Column 3 – Postal walk (no longer available)
Column 4 – Level of geography (see geography section)
Column 5 – Place name
Column 6 – Total number of taxfilers
Column 7 – Percent of taxfilers who are male
Column 8 – Percent of taxfilers who are female
Column 9 – Total number of RRSP Contributors
Column 10 – Percent of contributors who are male
Column 11 – Percent of contributors who are female
Column 12 – Total amount of RRSP dollars reported (in thousands of dollars)
Column 13 – Percent of contributions reported by males
Column 14 – Percent of contributions reported by females
Column 15 – Median RRSP contribution of all contributors
Column 16 – Median RRSP contribution of males
Column 17 – Median RRSP contribution of females

Table 4: Income groups
Column 1 – City identification number
Column 2 – Postal area
Column 3 – Postal walk (no longer available)
Column 4 – Level of geography (see geography section)
Column 5 – Place name
Column 6 – Total number of taxfilers
Column 7 – Total number of RRSP contributors
Column 8 – Percent of RRSP contributors with total income less than $20,000
Column 9 – Percent of RRSP contributors with total income between $20,000 and $39,999
Column 10 – Percent of RRSP contributors with total income between $40,000 and $59,999
Column 11 – Percent of RRSP contributors with total income between $60,000 and $79,999
Column 12 – Percent of RRSP contributors with total income $80,000+
Column 13 – Total amount of RRSP dollars reported (in thousands of dollars)
Column 14 – Percent of total RRSP amount reported by contributors with total income less than $20,000
Column 15 – Percent of total RRSP amount reported by contributors with total income between $20,000 and $39,999
Column 16 – Percent of total RRSP amount reported by contributors with total income between $40,000 and $59,999
Column 17 – Percent of total RRSP amount reported by contributors with total income between $60,000 and $79,999
Column 18 – Percent of total RRSP amount reported by contributors with total income $80,000+

RRSP Contribution Limits (ROOM) (product # 17C0011)

The Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) Room databank was created to provide information on the RRSP contribution limit (RRSP Room) available. This product can be used in conjunction with the RRSP databank which concentrates on the RRSP contributors.

In 1989, the legislation dictated that contribution limits for persons not contributing to a registered pension plan (RPP) or a Deferred Profit Sharing Plan (DPSP) was 20% of earned income to a maximum of $7,500. The limit for RPP and DPSP members was 20% of earned income to a maximum of $3,500 less the amount contributed by the employee to the RPP or DPSP.

Further amendments to the Income Tax Act relative to RRSPs, taking effect January 1, 1991, were intended to make RRSP contribution limits more equitable. The RRSP contribution limit was set at 18% of earned income for the previous tax year, to a set maximum minus the Pension Adjustment (PA). The PA represents the calculated value of the pension accrued through an RPP or a DPSP in the previous tax year.

Total RRSP Room represents the deduction limit that Canadians can claim with respect to contributions made to RRSPs. It does not include income eligible for transfers, such as retiring allowances and severance pay that may be rolled over into RRSPs. The sum of the deduction limit and rollovers represents the maximum amount that can be claimed as a deduction on line 208 of the income tax return.

Calculation of contribution limits

For 1990, maximum contributions are:

• for non-participants in RPPs and DPSPs, the lesser of 20% of earned income and $7,500
• for participants in RPPs and DPSPs, 20% of earned income to a maximum of $3,500; the maximum is reduced according to employee contributions to RPPs/DPSPs.

For 1991 to 2014:

New room = 18% of earned income - PA - PSPA

Percentage of earned income to a maximum of

• $11,500 for 1991
• $12,500 for 1992 and 1993
• $13,500 for 1994
• $14,500 for 1995
• $13,500 for 1996
• $13,500 for 1997
• $13,500 for 1998
• $13,500 for 1999
• $13,500 for 2000
• $13,500 for 2001
• $13,500 for 2002
• $14,500 for 2003
• $15,500 for 2004
• $16,500 for 2005
• $18,000 for 2006
• $19,000 for 2007
• $20,000 for 2008
• $21,000 for 2009
• $22,000 for 2010
• $22,450 for 2011
• $22,970 for 2012
• $23,820 for 2013
• $24,270 for 2014

Where PA = Pension Adjustment, and PSPA = Past Service Pension Adjustment

Prior to tax year 2000 (Room 2001):

Total Room (for tax year+1) = Unused Room (from 1991 forward) + New Room

For tax years 2000 to 2014 (Room 2001 to Room 2015):

Total Room (for tax year+1) = Unused Room accumulated since 1991 + (18% of earned income – Pension adjustment) – Current tax year contributions excluding rollovers

Data source for RRSP Room

Prior to the release of data for tax year 2000, the RRSP ROOM data were derived from a file received annually from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA, formerly Canada Customs and Revenue Agency). CRA generated the data from an administrative system designed in response to changes to the Income Tax Act with respect to Registered Retirement Savings Plans, changes that took effect January 1, 1991.

The system records information for each taxfiler with "earned income" (income used to determine the RRSP deduction limit). The information includes each year's earned income, new room amounts and unused room amounts carried forward.

Starting with the 2001 ROOM (2000 tax data), the amount of RRSP Room is calculated from other variables on the preliminary file, variables which were previously unavailable.

This year's release of the RRSP Room data is based on 2014 income tax returns. Contributions towards these limits can be made up to February 2016, to be reported on the 2015 tax returns. The mailing address at the time of filing is the basis for the geographic information in the tables.

The content of the databank is as follows:

Table 1: Persons with room
Column 1 – City identification number
Column 2 – Postal area
Column 3 – Postal walk number (no longer available)
Column 4 – Level of geography (see Geography section)
Column 5 – Place name
Column 6 – Amount of Room dollars reported (in thousands of $)
Column 7 – Amount of Unused Room dollars reported (in thousands of $)
Column 8 – Amount of New Room dollars reported (in thousands of $)
Column 9 – Number of taxfilers with Room
Column 10 – Number of taxfilers with Unused Room
Column 11 – Number of taxfilers with New Room

Table 2: Characteristics of persons with new room
Column 1 – City identification number
Column 2 – Postal area
Column 3 – Postal walk number (no longer available)
Column 4 – Level of geography (see Geography section)
Column 5 – Place name
Column 6 – Number of taxfilers with New Room
Column 7 – Average Age of taxfilers with New Room
Column 8 – Percentage Female taxfilers with New Room
Column 9 – Median Earned Income of taxfilers with New Room
Column 10 – Average New Room
Column 11 – Percentage of taxfilers with New Room between $500 and $2,399
Column 12 – Percentage of taxfilers with New Room between $2,400 and $4,699
Column 13 – Percentage of taxfilers with New Room between $4,700 and $7,799
Column 14 – Percentage of taxfilers with New Room between $7,800 and $12,999
Column 15 – Percentage of taxfilers with New Room greater than $13,000

Additional notes for Table 2:

Column 11: The first value represents the 25th percentile and is recalculated periodically.
Column 12: The first value represents the 50th percentile and is recalculated periodically.
Column 13: The first value represents the 75th percentile and is recalculated periodically.
Column 14: The first value represents the 90th percentile and is recalculated periodically.
Column 15: The value represents the 97th percentile and is recalculated periodically.

Canadian Savers (product #17C0009)

This databank provides information on taxfilers who have been classified as savers.

Savers are defined as taxfilers who reported interest and investment income on line 121, but no dividend income on line 120 of the personal income tax return.

Interest and investment income sources would include interest from Canada Savings bonds, bank accounts, treasury bills, investment certificates, term deposits, earnings on life insurance policies as well as foreign interest and dividend income.

Dividend income would include dividends from taxable Canadian corporations (as stocks or mutual funds), but not dividends from foreign investments.

Taxfilers reporting Canadian dividend income would not be counted as savers, but would be classified as investors.

The content of the databank is as follows:

Table 1: Summary
Column 1 – City identification number
Column 2 – Postal area
Column 3 – Postal walk (no longer available)
Column 4 – Level of geography (see geography section)
Column 5 – Place name
Column 6 – Total number of taxfilers
Column 7 – Number of savers
Column 8 – Average age of savers
Column 9 – Median total income of savers
Column 10 – Total amount of interest dollars reported (in thousands of dollars)
Column 11 – Median of interest dollars

Table 2: Age groups
Column 1 – City identification number
Column 2 – Postal area
Column 3 – Postal walk (no longer available)
Column 4 – Level of geography (see geography section)
Column 5 – Place name
Column 6 – Total number of taxfilers
Column 7 – Total number of savers
Column 8 – Percent of savers 0-24 years of age
Column 9 – Percent of savers 25-34 years of age
Column 10 – Percent of savers 35-44 years of age
Column 11 – Percent of savers 45-54 years of age
Column 12 – Percent of savers 55-64 years of age
Column 13 – Percent of savers 65+ years of age
Column 14 – Total amount of interest income dollars reported (in thousands of dollars)
Column 15 – Percent of interest income reported by age group 0-24
Column 16 – Percent of interest income reported by age group 25-34
Column 17 – Percent of interest income reported by age group 35-44
Column 18 – Percent of interest income reported by age group 45-54
Column 19 – Percent of interest income reported by age group 55-64
Column 20 – Percent of interest income reported by age group 65+

Table 3: Sex
Column 1 – City identification number
Column 2 – Postal area
Column 3 – Postal walk (no longer available)
Column 4 – Level of geography (see geography section)
Column 5 – Place name
Column 6 – Total number of taxfilers
Column 7 – Percent of taxfilers who are male
Column 8 – Percent of taxfilers who are female
Column 9 – Total number of savers
Column 10 – Percent of savers who are male
Column 11 – Percent of savers who are female
Column 12 – Total amount of interest income reported (in thousands of dollars)
Column 13 – Percent of interest income reported by males
Column 14 – Percent of interest income reported by females
Column 15 – Median interest income of all savers
Column 16 – Median interest income of all male savers
Column 17 – Median interest income of all female savers

Table 4: Income groups
Column 1 – City identification number
Column 2 – Postal area
Column 3 – Postal walk (no longer available)
Column 4 – Level of geography (see geography section)
Column 5 – Place name
Column 6 – Total number of taxfilers
Column 7 – Total number of savers
Column 8 – Percent of savers with total income less than $20,000
Column 9 – Percent of savers with total income between $20,000 and $39,999
Column 10 – Percent of savers with total income between $40,000 and $59,999
Column 11 – Percent of savers with total income between $60,000 and $79,999
Column 12 – Percent of savers with total income $80,000+
Column 13 – Total amount of interest income reported (in thousands of dollars)
Column 14 – Percent of interest income reported by savers with total income less than $20,000
Column 15 – Percent of interest income reported by savers with total income between $20,000 and $39,999
Column 16 – Percent of interest income reported by savers with total income between $40,000 and $59,999
Column 17 – Percent of interest income reported by savers with total income between $60,000 and $79,999
Column 18 – Percent of interest income reported by savers with total income $80,000+

Canadian Investors (product #17C0007)

This databank provides information on taxfilers classified as investors.

Investors include taxfilers who reported dividend income on line 120 of their personal tax return. They may or may not have also reported interest and other investment income on line 121. When income is also reported on line 121, that amount is added to the amount of dividend income received, and the sum becomes the investment income of the investor.

The content of the databank is as follows:

Table 1: Summary
Column 1 – City identification number
Column 2 – Postal area
Column 3 – Postal walk (no longer available)
Column 4 – Level of geography (see geography section)
Column 5 – Place name
Column 6 – Total number of taxfilers
Column 7 – Number of investors
Column 8 – Average age of investors
Column 9 – Median total income of investors
Column 10 – Amount of investment dollars (in thousands of dollars)
Column 11 – Percentage of the investment income derived from dividends
Column 12 – Median investment income

Table 2: Age groups
Column 1 – City identification number
Column 2 – Postal area
Column 3 – Postal walk (no longer available)
Column 4 – Level of geography (see geography section)
Column 5 – Place name
Column 6 – Total number of taxfilers
Column 7 – Total number of investors
Column 8 – Percent of investors 0-24 years of age
Column 9 – Percent of investors 25-34 years of age
Column 10 – Percent of investors 35-44 years of age
Column 11 – Percent of investors 45-54 years of age
Column 12 – Percent of investors 55-64 years of age
Column 13 – Percent of investors 65+ years of age
Column 14 – Total amount of investment income dollars reported (in thousands of dollars)
Column 15 – Percent of investment income reported by age group 0-24
Column 16 – Percent of investment income reported by age group 25-34
Column 17 – Percent of investment income reported by age group 35-44
Column 18 – Percent of investment income reported by age group 45-54
Column 19 – Percent of investment income reported by age group 55-64
Column 20 – Percent of investment income reported by age group 65+

Table 3: Sex
Column 1 – City identification number
Column 2 – Postal area
Column 3 – Postal walk (no longer available)
Column 4 – Level of geography (see geography section)
Column 5 – Place name
Column 6 – Total number of taxfilers
Column 7 – Percent of taxfilers who are male
Column 8 – Percent of taxfilers who are female
Column 9 – Total number of investors
Column 10 – Percent of investors who are male
Column 11 – Percent of investors who are female
Column 12 – Total amount of investment income reported (in thousands of dollars)
Column 13 – Percent of investment income reported by males
Column 14 – Percent of investment income reported by females
Column 15 – Median investment income of all investors
Column 16 – Median investment income of all male investors
Column 17 – Median investment income of all female investors

Table 4: Income groups
Column 1 – City identification number
Column 2 – Postal area
Column 3 – Postal walk (no longer available)
Column 4 – Level of geography (see geography section)
Column 5 – Place name
Column 6 – Total number of taxfilers
Column 7 – Total number of investors
Column 8 – Percent of investors with total income less than $20,000
Column 9 – Percent of investors with total income between $20,000 and $39,999
Column 10 – Percent of investors with total income between $40,000 and $59,999
Column 11 – Percent of investors with total income between $60,000 and $79,999
Column 12 – Percent of investors with total income $80,000+
Column 13 – Total amount of investment income reported (in thousands of dollars)
Column 14 – Percent of investment income reported by investors with total income less than $20,000
Column 15 – Percent of investment income reported by investors with total income between $20,000 and $39,999
Column 16 – Percent of investment income reported by investors with total income between $40,000 and $59,999
Column 17 – Percent of investment income reported by investors with total income
between $60,000 and $79,999
Column 18 – Percent of investment income reported by investors with total income
$80,000+

Canadian Investment Income (product #17C0008)

This databank provides information on taxfilers who reported dividend income on line 120 of the tax return, or interest and other investment income on line 121, or both. These taxfilers include those designated as savers and those designated as investors in two other databanks available: Canadian Savers and Canadian Investors. In this databank, investment income includes both interest and dividends.

Dividend income includes dividends from taxable Canadian corporations (as stocks or mutual funds).

Interest and other investment income sources include interest from Canada Savings bonds, bank accounts, treasury bills, investment certificates, term deposits, earnings on life insurance policies as well as foreign interest and dividend income.

The content of the databank is as follows:

Table 1: Summary
Column 1 – City identification number
Column 2 – Postal area
Column 3 – Postal walk (no longer available)
Column 4 – Level of geography (see geography section)
Column 5 – Place name
Column 6 – Total number of taxfilers
Column 7 – Number of taxfilers with investment income
Column 8 – Average age of taxfilers with investment income
Column 9 – Median total income of taxfilers with investment income
Column 10 – Reported investment income dollars for all taxfilers with investment income (in thousands of dollars)
Column 11 – Median investment income for all taxfilers with investment income

Table 2: Age groups
Column 1 – City identification number
Column 2 – Postal area
Column 3 – Postal walk (no longer available)
Column 4 – Level of geography (see geography section)
Column 5 – Place name
Column 6 – Total number of taxfilers
Column 7 – Total number of receivers of investment income
Column 8 – Percent of receivers of investment income 0-24 years of age
Column 9 – Percent of receivers of investment income 25-34 years of age
Column 10 – Percent of receivers of investment income 35-44 years of age
Column 11 – Percent of receivers of investment income 45-54 years of age
Column 12 – Percent of receivers of investment income 55-64 years of age
Column 13 – Percent of receivers of investment income 65+ years of age
Column 14 - Total amount of investment income dollars reported (in thousands of dollars)
Column 15 – Percent of investment income reported by age group 0-24
Column 16 – Percent of investment income reported by age group 25-34
Column 17 – Percent of investment income reported by age group 35-44
Column 18 – Percent of investment income reported by age group 45-54
Column 19 – Percent of investment income reported by age group 55-64
Column 20 – Percent of investment income reported by age group 65+

Table 3: Sex
Column 1 – City identification number
Column 2 – Postal area
Column 3 – Postal walk (no longer available)
Column 4 – Level of geography (see geography section)
Column 5 – Place name
Column 6 – Total number of taxfilers
Column 7 – Percent of taxfilers who are male
Column 8 – Percent of taxfilers who are female
Column 9 – Total number of receivers of investment income
Column 10 – Percent of receivers of investment income who are male
Column 11 – Percent of receivers of investment income who are female
Column 12 – Total amount of investment income reported (in thousands of dollars)
Column 13 – Percent of investment income reported by males
Column 14 – Percent of investment income reported by females
Column 15 – Median investment income of all receivers of investment income
Column 16 – Median investment income of all male receivers of investment income
Column 17 – Median investment income of all female receivers of investment income

Table 4: Income groups
Column 1 – City identification number
Column 2 – Postal area
Column 3 – Postal walk (no longer available)
Column 4 – Level of geography (see geography section)
Column 5 – Place name
Column 6 – Total number of taxfilers
Column 7 – Total number of receivers of investment income
Column 8 – Percent of receivers of investment income with total income less than $20,000
Column 9 – Percent of receivers of investment income with total income between $20,000 and $39,999
Column 10 – Percent of receivers of investment income with total income between $40,000 and $59,999
Column 11 – Percent of receivers of investment income with total income between $60,000 and $79,999
Column 12 – Percent of receivers of investment income with total income $80,000+
Column 13 – Total amount of investment income reported (in thousands of dollars)
Column 14 – Percent of investment income reported by receivers of investment income with total income less than $20,000
Column 15 – Percent of investment income reported by receivers of investment income with total income between $20,000 and $39,999
Column 16 – Percent of investment income reported by receivers of investment income with total income between $40,000 and $59,999
Column 17 – Percent of investment income reported by receivers of investment income with total income between $60,000 and $79,999
Column 18 – Percent of investment income reported by receivers of investment income with total income $80,000+

Canadian Capital Gains (product #17C0012)

This databank provides information on taxfilers who reported capital gains during the tax year under review.

Line 127 of the T1 income tax return contains the amount of taxable capital gains reported by Canadians; this value is half the actual capital gains received. The information in this databank reflects the total capital gains received; amounts reported have been grossed up to reflect this total.

The content of the databank is as follows:

Column 1 – City identification number
Column 2 – Postal area
Column 3 – Postal walk (no longer available)
Column 4 – Level of geography (see geography section)
Column 5 – Place name
Column 6 – Total number of taxfilers
Column 7 – Number of taxfilers reporting capital gains
Column 8 – Percent of taxfilers reporting capital gains who had a total income under $20,000
Column 9 – Percent of taxfilers reporting capital gains who had a total income between $20,000 and $39,999
Column 10 – Percent of taxfilers reporting capital gains who had a total income between $40,000 and $59,999
Column 11 – Percent of taxfilers reporting capital gains who had a total income between $60,000 and $79,999
Column 12 – Percent of taxfilers reporting capital gains who had a total income of $80,000+
Column 13 – Total value of capital gains (in thousands of dollars)
Column 14 – Percent of capital gains reported by taxfilers with a total income under $20,000
Column 15 – Percent of capital gains reported by taxfilers with a total income between $20,000 and $39,999
Column 16 – Percent of capital gains reported by taxfilers with a total income between $40,000 and $59,999
Column 17 – Percent of capital gains reported by taxfilers with a total income between $60,000 and $79,999
Column 18 – Percent of capital gains reported by taxfilers with a total income of $80,000+

Canadian Taxfilers (product #17C0010)

This databank provides a demographic and income profile of Canadians who filed a personal tax return in the reference year, according to the T1 preliminary file.

The content of the databank is as follows:

Table 1: Summary
Column 1 – City identification number
Column 2 – Postal area
Column 3 – Postal walk (no longer available)
Column 4 – Level of geography (see geography section)
Column 5 – Place name
Column 6 – Number of taxfilers
Column 7 – Percent of taxfilers 0-24 years of age
Column 8 – Percent of taxfilers 25-34 years of age
Column 9 – Percent of taxfilers 35-44 years of age
Column 10 – Percent of taxfilers 45-54 years of age
Column 11 – Percent of taxfilers 55-64 years of age
Column 12 – Percent of taxfilers 65+ years of age
Column 13 – Average age of taxfilers
Column 14 – Median total income of taxfilers
Column 15 – 75th percentile of total income of taxfilers
Column 16 – 85th percentile of total income of taxfilers
Column 17 – 95th percentile of total income of taxfilers
Column 18 – Median employment income of taxfilers
Column 19 – 75th percentile of employment income of taxfilers

Table 2: Income Groups
Column 1 – City identification number
Column 2 – Postal area
Column 3 – Postal walk (no longer available)
Column 4 – Level of geography (see geography section)
Column 5 – Place name
Column 6 – Number of taxfilers
Column 7 – Percent of taxfilers with total income less than $20,000
Column 8 – Percent of taxfilers with total income between $20,000 and $39,999
Column 9 – Percent of taxfilers with total income between $40,000 and $59,999
Column 10 – Percent of taxfilers with total income between $60,000 and $79,999
Column 11 – Percent of taxfilers with total income $80,000+
Column 12 – Value of total income (in thousands of dollars)
Column 13 – Percent of total income reported by taxfilers with total income less than $20,000
Column 14 – Percent of total income reported by taxfilers with total income between $20,000 and $39,999
Column 15 – Percent of total income reported by taxfilers with total income between $40,000 and $59,999
Column 16 – Percent of total income reported by taxfilers with total income between $60,000 and $79,999
Column 17 – Percent of total income reported by taxfilers with total income $80,000+

Charitable Donations (product #13C0014)

This databank provides information on taxfilers classified as charitable donors. Charitable donors are defined as taxfilers reporting donations on line 340 of the tax return.

Canadians contribute in many ways to charitable organizations. The databank on charitable donors provides information on taxfilers who claimed a tax credit for charitable donations on their income tax return in the reference year. These data may include donations that might be denied by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) after an audit. To find out more about why donations might be denied (i.e. tax shelter gifting arrangements, false receipting) please go to the Canada Revenue Agency website.

Persons making charitable donations, but not reporting them on their personal tax return are not included in this databank. These include donations for which no receipt was provided and donations for which the receipt was lost. No estimate of such donations is included in these data.

Only donations made to approved organizations are allowable as deductions in the tax system. Donations are eligible if made to Canadian registered charities and Canadian amateur athletic associations. They are also eligible if made to: prescribed universities outside Canada; certain tax exempt housing organizations in Canada; Canadian municipalities; the United Nations; and certain charities outside Canada to which the Government of Canada has made a gift.

It is possible to carry donations forward for up to five years after the year in which they were made. In the reference year, it is possible to claim donations made in any of the previous five years, as long as they were not already claimed in a prior year. The donations made in the reference year could be claimed the same year, or could be carried forward to any of the next five years. According to tax laws, taxfilers are permitted to claim both their donations and those made by their spouses to get better tax benefits. Consequently, the number of persons who made charitable donations may be higher than the number who claimed tax credits.

A change in tax regulations was introduced in 2007. Taxfilers contributing to a recognized charity (as outlined above) were eligible to claim a tax credit of 15% of their donations on the first $200, and 29% on the rest. In 2006, the tax credit was 15.25% on the first $200 and 29% on the rest. In 2005, the tax credit was 15% on the first $200 and 29% on the rest. From 2001 to 2004, the tax credit was 16% on the first $200 and 29% on the rest. From 1992 to 2000, the tax credit was 17% on the first $200 and 29% on the rest. Previously, taxfilers had to give $250 to charity before the 29% credit was available.

The content of the databank is as follows:

Table 1: Summary
Column 1 - City identification number
Column 2 - Postal area
Column 3 - Postal walk (no longer available)
Column 4 - Level of geography (see Geography section)
Column 5 - Place name
Column 6 - Total Number of taxfilers
Column 7 - Number of charitable donors
Column 8 - Average age of donors
Column 9 - Average donation for age group 0-24
Column 10 - Average donation for age group 25-34
Column 11 - Average donation for age group 35-44
Column 12 - Average donation for age group 45-54
Column 13 - Average donation for age group 55-64
Column 14 - Average donation for age group 65+
Column 15 - Total amount of charitable donations (thousands of $)
Column 16 - Median donation
Column 17 - Median total income of donors
Column 18 - 75th percentile of donors' total income

Table 2: Age and Sex (new beginning with 1995)
Column 1 - City identification number
Column 2 - Postal area
Column 3 - Postal walk (no longer available)
Column 4 - Level of geography (see Geography section)
Column 5 - Place name
Column 6 - Total Number of taxfilers
Column 7 - Percent of taxfilers who are male
Column 8 - Percent of taxfilers who are female
Column 9 - Number of charitable donors
Column 10 - Percent of charitable donors who are male
Column 11 - Percent of charitable donors who are female
Column 12 - Percent of donors 0 - 24 years of age
Column 13 - Percent of donors 25 - 34 years of age
Column 14 - Percent of donors 35 - 44 years of age
Column 15 - Percent of donors 45 - 54 years of age
Column 16 - Percent of donors 55 - 64 years of age
Column 17 - Percent of donors 65+ years of age
Column 18 - Total median donation
Column 19 - Median donation of males
Column 20 - Median donation of females
Column 21 - Total amount of charitable donations (thousands of $)
Column 22 - Total amount of charitable donations for males (thousands of $)
Column 23 - Total amount of charitable donations for females (thousands of $)

Table 3: Income Groups (new beginning with 1997)
Column 1 - City identification number
Column 2 - Postal area
Column 3 - Postal walk (no longer available)
Column 4 - Level of geography (see Geography section)
Column 5 - Place name
Column 6 - Total number of taxfilers
Column 7 - Total number of charitable donors
Column 8 - Percent of charitable donors with total income less than $20,000
Column 9 - Percent of charitable donors with total income between $20,000 and $39,999
Column 10 - Percent of charitable donors with total income between $40,000 and $59,999
Column 11 - Percent of charitable donors with total income between $60,000 and $79,999
Column 12 - Percent of charitable donors with total income $80,000+
Column 13 - Total value of charitable donations (in thousands of dollars)
Column 14 - Percent of donations reported by donors with total income under $20,000
Column 15 - Percent of donations reported by donors with total income between $20,000 and $39,999
Column 16 - Percent of donations reported by donors with total income between $40,000 and $59,999
Column 17 - Percent of donations reported by donors with total income between $60,000 and $79,999
Column 18 - Percent of donations reported by donors with total income $80,000+

Statistical Tables - Footnotes and Historical Availability

RRSP Contributors

1. Table 1 is available in its current format starting with the 1990 data, according to the postal geography. Census metropolitan areas (CMAs) are available starting with the 1993 data, census divisions (CDs) with the 1994 data and federal electoral districts (FEDs) with the 1997 data.
2. Table 2 (age groups) and table 3 (sex) are available in their current formats starting with the 1994 data, for postal areas, CMAs, CDs and FEDs (since 1997). Some changes were made to the age groupings over the years.
3. Table 4 (income groups) is available in its current format starting with the 2007 data, for postal areas, CMAs, CDs and FEDs. From 1997 to 2006, the income groups were cumulative.

RRSP Contribution Limits (Room)

1. Both tables are available in their current format starting with the 1993 data.
2. Data are available for all levels of the postal geography starting with the 1993 tax year.
3. Data for census metropolitan areas (CMAs) are available starting with the 1993 tax year (1994 room), census divisions (CDs) with the 1994 tax year (1995 room) and federal electoral districts (FEDs) with the 1997 tax year (1998 room).
4. The figures in Table 2 ($500, $2,400, $4,700, $7,800 and $13,000) represent the 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th and 97th percentiles of new room and are recalculated periodically.

Canadian Savers

1. Table 1 is available in its current format starting with the 1990 data, according to the postal geography. Census metropolitan areas (CMAs) are available starting with the 1993 data, census divisions (CDs) with the 1995 data and federal electoral districts (FEDs) with the 1997 data.
2. Table 2 (age groups) and table 3 (sex) are available in their current formats starting with the 1995 data, for postal areas, CMAs, CDs and FEDs (since 1997). Some changes were made to the age groupings over the years.
3. Table 4 (income groups) is available in its current format starting with the 2007 data, for postal areas, CMAs, CDs and FEDs. From 1997 to 2006, the income groups were cumulative.

Canadian Investors

1. Table 1 is available in its current format starting with the 1990 data, according to the postal geography. Census metropolitan areas (CMAs) are available starting with the 1993 data, census divisions (CDs) with the 1995 data and federal electoral districts (FEDs) with the 1997 data.
2. The proportion of investment income from dividends is available starting with the 1996 data (Table 1).
3. Table 2 (age groups) and table 3 (sex) are available in their current formats starting with the 1995 data, for postal areas, CMAs, CDs and FEDs (since 1997). Some changes were made to the age groupings over the years.
4. Table 4 (income groups) is available in its current format starting with the 2007 data, for postal areas, CMAs, CDs and FEDs. From 1997 to 2006, the income groups were cumulative.

Canadian Investment Income

1. Table 1 is available in its current format starting with the 1990 data, according to the postal geography. Census metropolitan areas (CMAs) are available starting with the 1993 data, census divisions (CDs) with the 1995 data and federal electoral districts (FEDs) with the 1997 data.
2. Table 2 (age groups) and table 3 (sex) are available in their current formats starting with the 1995 data, for postal areas, CMAs, CDs and FEDs (since 1997). Some changes were made to the age groupings over the years.
3. Table 4 (income groups) is available in its current format starting with the 2007 data, for postal areas, CMAs, CDs and FEDs. From 1997 to 2006, the income groups were cumulative.

Canadian Capital Gains

1. The standard table on capital gains by income group is available in its current format starting with the 2007 data. From 1998 data up to 2006, the income groups were cumulative.
2. All levels of geography are available since the 1998 data, including census divisions, census metropolitan areas, federal electoral districts and all levels of the postal geography.

Canadian Taxfilers

1. Table 1 is available in its current format starting with the 1990 data, according to the postal geography. Census metropolitan areas (CMAs) are available starting with the 1993 data, census divisions (CDs) with the 1995 data and federal electoral districts (FEDs) with the 1997 data.
2. Starting with the 2007 data, the column on the "% reporting in French" in table 1 has been suppressed.
3. Table 2 (income groups) is available in its current format starting with the 2007 data, for postal areas, CMAs, CDs and FEDs. From 1997 to 2006, the income groups were cumulative.

Charitable Donations

1. Table 1 (summary) is available starting with the 1990 data, according to the postal geography. Census metropolitan areas (CMAs) are available starting with the 1993 data, census divisions (CDs) with the 1995 data and federal electoral districts (FEDs) with the 1997 data.
2. Changes were made to the age groups in table 1 in 1991 and in 1997.
3. Table 2 (age groups) is available starting with the 1995 data, for the postal geography and for CMAs. CDs are available starting with the 1995 data and FEDs with the 1997 data.
4. Changes were made to the age groups in table 2 in 1997.
5. Table 3 (Income groups) is available in its current format starting with the 2007 data, for the postal geography, for CMAs, CDs and FEDs. From 1997 to 2006, the income groups were cumulative.

Glossary of Terms

75th percentile

Total income values are ranked from highest to lowest and the value reported as being the 75th percentile indicates that 25% of the taxfilers report an income equal or above that amount and 75% fall below. Percentiles are calculated for each geographical level.

For example, if the 75th percentile of total income is shown as $60,000 this means that 25% of the population under review has a total income greater than or equal to $60,000 and 75% of the population has a total income less than or equal to $60,000.

85th percentile

Starting with the 2007 data, the dollar value of the 85th percentile appears in the tables instead of the percentage above the 85th percentile like it was in previous years. Total income values are ranked from highest to lowest and the value reported as being the 85th percentile indicates that 15% of the taxfilers report an income equal or above that amount and 85% fall below. Percentiles are calculated for each geographical level.

For example, if the 85th percentile of total income is shown as $65,000 this means that 15% of the taxfilers has a total income greater than or equal to $65,000

95th percentile

Starting with the 2007 data, the dollar value of the 95th percentile appears in the tables instead of the percentage above the 95th percentile like it was in previous years. Total income values are ranked from highest to lowest and the value reported as being the 95th percentile indicates that 5% of the taxfilers report an income equal or above that amount and 95% fall below. Percentiles are calculated for each geographical level.

For example, if the 95th percentile of total income is shown as $90,000 this means that 5% of the population under review has a total income greater than or equal to $90,000

Age

Calculated as of December 31 of the reference year (i.e., tax year minus year of birth).

Capital Gains

Line 127 of the T1 income tax return shows "taxable capital gains" or half of the capital gains actually received. The information in this databank has been grossed up to represent the total capital gains received.

Charitable donation

Is the allowable portion of total donations, as reported on the income tax return. Canadians contribute in many ways to charitable organizations. These data include only amounts given to charities and approved organizations for which official tax receipts were provided and claimed on tax returns. It is possible to carry donations forward for up to five years after the year in which they were made. Therefore, donations reported for the 2012 taxation year could include donations that were made in any of the five previous years. According to tax laws, taxfilers are permitted to claim both their donations and those made by their spouses to receive better tax benefits. Consequently, the number of people who made charitable donations may be higher than the number who claimed tax credits.

Charitable donor

Is defined as a taxfiler reporting a charitable donation amount on line 340 of the personal income tax form.

CityID

Since municipality names can be, in some cases, quite long and cumbersome for handling in electronic files, municipalities are given a "city identification number". Starting in 2007, the CityID is a five digits alpha-numeric component. It is created with the first letter of Postal Code^OM followed by "9" and a four digits number. Each first letter of Postal Code is allocated a range of number from 1 to 9999 (more explanation in geography section).

Deferred profit sharing plan (DPSP)

An employer-sponsored savings plan registered by the Canada Revenue Agency. Contributions to these plans by the employer (employees cannot contribute) are based on profits. The amount accumulated in these plans can be paid out as a lump sum at retirement or termination of employment, transferred to an RRSP, received in instalments over a period not to exceed ten years, or used to purchase an annuity.

Dividend income

Includes taxable amount of dividends (eligible and other than eligible) received from taxable Canadian corporations (as stocks or mutual funds) as reported on line 120 of the personal income tax return, and then grossed down to the actual amounts received; dividend income does not include dividends received from foreign investments (which are included in interest income and reported on line 121).

Earned income

The income used to determine the RRSP deduction limit. It includes such items as employment income (less union dues and expenses), net business and rental income, disability payments and alimony received. Alimony payments, current year business and rental losses are deducted from this amount. Most investment income (other than rents) is not considered earned income. In calculating the RRSP deduction limit, earned income from the previous year is used.

Employment income

The total reported employment income. Employment income includes wages and salaries, commissions from employment, training allowances, tips and gratuities, and self-employment income (net income from business, profession, farming, fishing and commissions) and Tax Exempted Indian Employment Income (new in 1999 for wages and salaries, commissions, and in 2010 for self-employment income).

Interest income

Refers to the amount Canadians claimed on line 121 of the personal income tax return. This amount includes interest generated from bank deposits, Canada Savings Bonds, corporate bonds, treasury bills, investment certificates, term deposits, annuities, mutual funds, earnings on life insurance policies and all foreign interest and foreign dividend incomes.

Investment income

Includes both interest income and dividend income.

Investors

Taxfilers who reported dividend income on line 120 of their personal tax return. They may or may not have also reported interest and other investment income on line 121. When such income is reported on line 121, this amount is added to the amount of dividend income received, and the sum becomes the investment income of the investor.

Level of geography

Is a code designating the type of geographic area to which the information in the table applies. See the section on Geography for further information.

Median

The middle number in a group of numbers. Where a median income, for example, is given as $26,000, it means that exactly half of the incomes reported are greater than or equal to $26,000, and that the other half is less than or equal to the median amount. Zero values are not included in the calculation of medians for individuals.

New room

For 2014 this amount is calculated as 18% of 2013 earned income (from definition above) to a maximum of $24,270 minus pension adjustment (PA) minus past service pension adjustment (PSPA). Since the focus of these data is for net new room for potential RRSP contributions, PA and/or PSPA details will be omitted.

Past service pension adjustment (PSPA)

Applies only to members of defined benefit RPPs. A PSPA occurs when the pension benefit is upgraded, or additional credits purchased, for service in past years. In the first case, it is called an exempt (from certification) PSPA; in the second case, a certifiable PSPA. Only service after 1989 is considered.

Pension adjustment (PA)

Calculated value of the pension accrued in the year in an RPP or a DPSP. The PA decreases the RRSP deduction limit. To calculate this limit, the PA from the previous year is used.

Registered disability savings plan income (RDSP)

Beginning in 2008, the RDSP is for individuals for whom a valid disability certificate has been filed. Contributions can be made by the beneficiary or by qualified persons legally authorized to act for the beneficiary. The contributions are not deductible but the income earned is not taxable as long as it remains into the plan. Contributions are subject to a lifetime limit of $200,000; they will be matched in some degree by government contributions.

Registered pension plan (RPP)

An employer-sponsored plan registered with the Canada Revenue Agency and most commonly also with one of the pension regulatory authorities. The purpose of such plans is to provide employees with a regular income at retirement. The two main types of RPPs are called defined benefit (where the benefit formula is specified) and defined contribution (where only the contribution formula is defined).

Registered retirement savings plan (RRSP)

An individual retirement savings plan that is registered by the Canada Revenue Agency. It permits limited contributions, and income earned in the RRSP is exempt from tax until payments are received from the plan.

Savers

Taxfilers who reported interest and investment income on line 121 of the personal income tax return, but no dividend income on line 120.

Taxfiler

Individual who filed a personal income tax return for the reference year.

Total income

Note: this variable was revised over the years, as reflected in the comments below; data users who plan to compare current data to data from previous years should bear in mind these changes. Also, it should be noted that all income amounts are gross, with the exception of net rental income, net limited partnership income and all forms of net self-employment income.

Income reported by tax filers from any of the following sources:

• Employment income
  • Wages/Salaries/Commissions;
  • Other Employment Income as reported on line 104 of the tax form (tips, gratuities, royalties, etc.);
  • Net Self-Employment;
  • Tax Exempted Employment Income for Indians (Wages/Salaries/Commissions) for Indians (new in 1999);
  • Tax Exempted Self-Employment Income for Indians (since 2010).
• Investments
  • Interest and other investment income;
  • Dividend income.
• Government Transfers
  • Employment Insurance
    • Unemployment Insurance/Employment Insurance since 1982;
    • Quebec Parental Insurance Plan since 2006.
  • Pension Income
    • Old Age Security since 1982;
    • Net Federal Supplements (previously included in other income, shown separately since 1992)
      • Guaranteed Income Supplement created in 1967 and Spousal Allowance created in 1975, available since 1992;
      • Spousal Allowance (included in Net Federal Supplements since 1992; previously included in non-taxable income;
    • Canada and Quebec Pension plans benefits, since 1982.
  • Child Benefit
  • Family Allowance program up to 1992
  • Child Tax Credit up to 1992
  • Canada Child Tax Benefit (starting with 1993)
  • Universal Child Care Benefit since 2006
  • Federal Tax, Goods and Services Tax, Harmonized Sales Tax
    • Federal Sales Tax Credit (from 1988 to 1990);
    • Goods and Services Tax (GST) credit from 1990 to 1996;
    • Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) credit since 1997.
  • Workers' Compensation (included in other income prior to 1992 and shown separately since 1992)
  • Social Assistance (included in other income prior to 1992 and shown separately since 1992)
  • Provincial Refundable Tax Credits/Family Benefits – for a complete list please see the "Provincial Refundable Tax Credits/Family Benefits" section
  • Other Government Transfers
    • Working Income Tax Benefit (starting in 2007 depending on the province or territory; included since 2010 in the statistical tables).
• Private Pensions
• Registered Retirement Savings Plan Income (since 1994; previously in "other income"; since 1999, only for tax filers 65+)
• Other Income
  • Included as 'other income' prior to 1990
    • Net limited partnership income;
    • Alimony;
    • Net rental income;
    • Income for non-filing spouses (since 1989; included in "other income");
  • Other incomes as reported on line 130 of the tax form (fellowships, bursaries, etc.);
  • Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) Income as reported on line 125 of the tax form (introduced in 2008).

Monies not included in income above are: veterans' disability and dependent pensioners' payments, war veterans' allowances, lottery winnings and capital gains.

Total room (in thousands of dollars)

The sum of "new room" and "unused room" as defined here.

Total room (number of persons)

The number of taxfilers who have either unused room from previous years, new room based on their earned income, or both. The number of persons with total room does not correspond to the sum of persons with new room and unused room, as an individual can be included in both categories.

Universal Child Care Benefit

Beginning in July 2006, the Universal Child Care Benefit (UCCB) is a taxable amount of $100 paid monthly for each child under 6 years of age. Included in Canada Child Tax Benefits in the statistical tables.

Unused RRSP contribution room (unused room)

The amount of the RRSP deduction limit that is not claimed by the taxfiler, or the amount remaining after subtracting actual contributions claimed on the tax return from that year's contribution room. Unused room can be carried forward indefinitely. The first year of unused room is from 1991 (see table B).

Geography

The data are available for the following geographic areas. See "Statistical Tables - Footnotes and Historical Availability" for further details. The mailing address at the time of filing is the basis for the geographic information in the tables.

Standard areas

Canada
Provinces and territories

Postal Geography:

• City Totals
• Urban Forward Sortation Areas (excludes Rural Routes and Suburban Services, and Other Urban Areas within City)
• Suburban Services*
• Rural Routes (Within City)*
• Rural Postal Code Areas (Within City)
• Other Urban Areas (Non-residential within city)
• Rural Communities (not in City)
• Other Provincial Totals

*These postal geography levels were available in the past but are no longer available for this data.

Some postal geography levels such as Postal Walks are no longer available for this data.

Census Geography

• Economic Regions
• Census Divisions
• Census Metropolitan Areas
• Census Agglomerations
• Census Tracts
• Federal Electoral Districts (2003 Representation Order)

User-defined areas:

For cost recovery tabulations, users may select specific areas of interest which do not correspond to standard areas. To obtain aggregated data for such areas, users can provide a list of lower level postal or census geography (Postal Codes, forward sortation areas, census tracts, census subdivisions, etc.) grouped according to their defined areas. These areas must satisfy our confidentiality requirements. See the "Special Geography" section for further information.

Geographic Levels – Postal Geography

The various data compiled from the taxfile are available for different levels of the postal geography. Coded geographic indicators appearing on the data tables are shown below with a brief description.

Adding Postal Areas Without Duplication

Data files according to the postal geography will often contain subtotals and totals. Many data users need to add certain geographies in order to come up with a total for their particular area of interest. However, including subtotals during this process results in double-counting some populations, and this leads to an erroneous total. The following is a summary of which postal areas are aggregations in the standard postal geography.

Urban FSAs (LOG 3), Rural Routes (LOG 4), suburban services (LOG 5), Rural Postal Code Areas within a city (LOG 6) and Other Urban Areas (LOG 7) add up to City Totals (LOG 8).

City Totals (LOG 8), Rural Communities not in a city (LOG 9) and Other Provincial Totals (LOG 10) add up to provincial/territorial totals (LOG 11).

Provincial/territorial totals (LOG 11) add up to the Canada total (LOG 12).

Thus, using the Level of geography codes:
3 + 4 + 5 + 6 + 7 = 8
8 + 9 + 10 = 11

City identification number (CityID)

The CityID is created for postal cities. This concept of cities does not correspond to the official boundaries of municipalities.

As of 2007, CityID has been modified.

Previous to 2007:

1. CityID was a 4 digits number
2. Each postal city had a unique number between 1 and 9999
3. Almost every number was allocated to a postal city. Few numbers remained available for future new postal cities.

Starting with 2007 data:
To create more possibilities without changing the CityID length in our systems:

1. CityID number is now combined with 1st letter of Postal Code
2. Each 1st letter of Postal Code has a possibility of numbers, ranged from 1 to 9999 (Table D)
3. Old numbers have been kept for existing postal cities and 1st letters of Postal Code have been added to them (Table C)
4. New postal cities have been assigned a new CityID number in new format (Table C)

Therefore, it is now essential to identify a postal city by adding the Postal Code 1st letter to the number in order to get the proper postal city in the proper province (Table E):

Hierarchy of postal geography

Description for chart of Hierarchy of postal geography

• Canada (12)
  • Provinces/ Territories (11)
    • City Totals (08)
      • Urban Forward Sortation Areas (03)
      • Rural Routes (04)
      • Sub-urban Services (05)
      • Rural Postal Code Areas (06)
      • Other Urban Areas (07)
    • Rural Communities (09)
    • Other Provincial Totals (10)

Geographic Levels – Census Geography

Data are also available for the following levels of the Census geography; the following table shows the coded designators for these geographies, as well as a brief description of each.

Geographic Levels – Special Geography

Clients may select geographical areas of their own definition; areas that are not part of the standard areas listed here (for example, bank service areas, retail store catchment areas). For this, clients must submit a list of lower level geographies such as Postal Codes or census tracts that make up their user defined areas. We will then aggregate the micro data to correspond to that area of interest. If there is more than one level of geography within the areas submitted by the client, this must be clearly indicated. A list of low level geographies which rollup into user defined areas is commonly referred to as a conversion file and is usually supplied to us in an Excel format.

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Copyright

Published by authority of the Minister responsible for Statistics Canada.

© Minister of Industry, 2016

All rights reserved. Use of this publication is governed by the Statistics Canada Open Licence Agreement.

© This data includes information copied with permission from Canada Post Corporation

List of available data products

The Income Statistics Division of Statistics Canada tabulates statistical data derived from administrative records - most notably, the taxfile. The resulting demographic and socio-economic databanks available are listed in the table below, along with their identifying product number and the usual release dates.