Once I incorporate, do I have to remit payroll deductions for myself?

If your corporation pays you a salary, it must deduct and remit income tax, CPP contributions, and EI premiums just as it would for any other employee. These are federal obligations administered by the CRA. The corporation is the employer and bears the employer's share of CPP as well. Remittances must reach the CRA by the required deadline or penalties and interest apply, and directors can be personally liable for unremitted payroll source deductions.

An owner-manager who controls the corporation can choose to opt out of EI by not insuring themselves — because you are not an arm's-length employee, your employment is generally excluded from insurable employment, which means no EI premiums but also no EI benefits if the business closes.

CPP contributions are still required on salary income. Taking only dividends eliminates CPP contributions but also builds no CPP entitlement and may affect RRSP contribution room, since RRSP room is based on earned income, which dividends do not generate. Planning the salary-dividend split requires balancing these factors with an accountant.