How much is really being held back per payment? Calculate your holdback amount (the rate depends on your contract and province) and release schedule.
| Payment | Gross amount | Holdback | Net paid |
|---|
⚠️ The exact rate and release timeline depend on your contract and province. Always confirm exact terms in writing with your client.
Holdback is a percentage of each payment that an owner withholds from a contractor until the end of the work, or until an agreed date, to secure performance. Several provinces set a statutory holdback in their construction or builders lien legislation, so check your province's act. In Quebec the Civil Code sets no percentage: it comes from the contract, and for public contracts covered by Quebec's regulation on payments and rapid dispute resolution in construction work, it is capped at 10% of the amount due and applies only if the contract provides for it.
The release date depends on your contract and on provincial lien legislation. In Quebec the Civil Code does not set a release date; do not confuse it with the 30-day period of the legal construction hypothec, which is the time to register a notice after the end of the work, not a release date for the holdback.
No. 10% is a statutory rate in several provinces and the maximum for covered Quebec public contracts, but in Quebec the rate for other contracts is whatever the parties wrote. Always check the holdback clause in your specific contract rather than assuming 10%.
SubmitX brings bids, projects, CCQ payroll and invoicing together. 7-day trial, no credit card.
7-day trial · no credit card · or call 514-835-8734