A Canadian group that advocates for lower taxes is criticizing Nova Scotia's NDP government for a slew of "sneaky" tax grabs in the new year.

The Canadian Taxpayers Federation says Nova Scotia residents will be shelling out more on their income taxes.

Kevin Lacey, spokesman for the group, said an average Nova Scotia family that makes $80,000 a year with two working parents and two children will pay $273 in new taxes.

"Most people, their incomes are having a hard time keeping up with the higher cost of goods, paying more for gasoline, more for groceries. As a result of these tax increases it's making it more and more difficult to make ends meet," he said.

EI Changes

Nova Scotia workers earning $47, 400 will have to pay $891.12 in EI premiums in 2013.

Up $51.50 from 2011.

Employers will pay $1, 247.57 per employee.

Up by $71.61 from 2011.

The province has some of the highest taxes in the country and is one of only three provinces that does not index tax to inflation.

Nova Scotia's NDP government says it has made strategic decisions to help residents, such as removing the HST from home power bills and offering tax relief initiatives for seniors.

NDP MLA Mat Whynott said when finances allow, the government will consider indexing tax to inflation, putting more money into the bank accounts of Nova Scotians.

The Canadian Taxpayers Federation, known for drawing attention to government spending, also slammed the federal government for higher payroll taxes.

In 2013, both Canada Pension Plan and Employment Insurance deductions from employees' pay are increasing by about $100.