Indian Entrepreneur's Canada Experience Sparks Debate After Claiming Half His Income Went to Taxes

An Indian entrepreneur's candid account of life in Canada has gone viral on social media after he claimed that nearly half of his monthly earnings were paid in taxes, leading him to leave Toronto just 18 months after moving there on permanent residency. The entrepreneur, Harsh Gupta, shared a detailed post on Threads outlining what he described as the financial and lifestyle challenges he faced during his stay in Canada. His remarks have since triggered widespread discussion among Indians considering relocation abroad.

According to Gupta, he earned around ₹10 lakh per month through his business but ended up paying nearly ₹5 lakh in taxes. He argued that the combination of high taxation and the rising cost of living made it difficult to justify remaining in the country. Apart from taxes, Gupta pointed to Toronto's expensive housing market as another major challenge. He said renting a modest apartment in the city's downtown area came at a significant cost, while everyday expenses such as groceries, transportation, and utilities further stretched household budgets.

The entrepreneur also expressed disappointment with Canada's healthcare system, claiming it took several months to find a family doctor and additional time to secure appointments with specialists. He suggested that the reality differed from the expectations many newcomers have before arriving in the country.

In his post, Gupta compared different Canadian provinces, describing Alberta as more affordable but colder, Vancouver as scenic yet expensive, and Montreal as an attractive city with limited job opportunities for those who do not speak French. He concluded that social media often presents an overly idealized picture of life in Canada.

The post quickly gained traction online, drawing mixed reactions. While several users agreed that rising living costs and taxes have made Canada less attractive for newcomers, others argued that the entrepreneur's experience does not represent everyone's reality. Many pointed out that Canada's tax system funds public services such as healthcare, infrastructure, education, and social welfare, benefits that residents receive in return.

Canada follows a progressive income tax system, meaning tax rates vary depending on income levels and the province of residence. The actual amount paid differs from one individual to another, based on earnings, deductions, and available tax credits. Government agencies also note that newcomers may qualify for various benefits and credits after filing their tax returns.

The viral discussion highlights a growing debate among Indians planning to settle overseas. While countries like Canada continue to attract skilled professionals with opportunities and quality public services, experts say prospective migrants should evaluate factors such as taxes, housing costs, healthcare access, career prospects, and overall cost of living—not just headline salaries—before making a relocation decision.