What is an RRSP?
A Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) is a government-registered plan that lets you defer income tax until after retirement when you are typically earning less income and are likely in a lower tax bracket.
Anyone in Canada that has a valid SIN, files a tax return and earns employment income can open an RRSP. The age limit for RRSP is 71. You can contribute until December 31 of the year you turn 71.
Just because it uses the word 'retirement', doesn't mean you should wait years to start!
An RRSP is perfect for:
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Saving for retirement
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Reducing your taxable income
What Investment Products Can I Put In An RRSP?
Your RRSP can contain the following investment products and accounts, where the tax on any gains will be deferred until the money is withdrawn:
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Guaranteed investment certificates (GICs)
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Cash (Investment Account*)
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Mutual funds
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Treasury bills
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Bonds
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Equities
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Exchange traded funds (ETFs)
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High-interest savings account
RRSP Contributions And Withdrawals
RRSP contributions are tax-deductible, meaning that they can be deducted on your current year's tax return, potentially reducing the total amount of taxes you pay.
While RRSPs can be effective vehicles to save for retirement, making withdrawals from these tax-advantaged plans before retirement may impact your tax bill - this is subject to certain exceptions.
Ready to get started?
How Do I Invest?
Below are ways to invest your funds either as a self-directed investor or with professional assistance.
In Branch
An in-branch advisor can help you get started. Book an appointment online, by phone, or in-person at a branch.
Personalized Advice
Our dedicated wealth advisors will provide personalized investment plans to keep your financial goals on track.
Online/Mobile Investing
Self-manage your investments through Qtrade Direct Investing® or get them professionally managed through Qtrade Guided Portfolios®.
Kick-start your RRSP contributions and gain important tax breaks with an RRSP.
Contribution limit for the 2021 tax year: $27,830
Contribution limit for the 2022 tax year: $29,210
Contribution limit for the 2023 tax year: $30,780
Contribution limit for the 2024 tax year: $31,560
Unused contribution room can be carried forward.
The contribution limits are 18% of previous year's income to the maximum contribution limit for each year.
Your Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) can be converted into a retirement income at any time, but no later than the end of the calendar year in which you turn 71.
A Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF) lets you make withdrawals as you need and the remaining balance is still tax‑sheltered. While you are required to make a minimum withdrawal each year, there are no other limits on withdrawals and the balance of your savings can continue to grow tax-free (until withdrawn).
A Spousal RRSP is a retirement savings tool that a married or common‑law couple can use to save for retirement and lower their taxes. It lets couples split their income after they retire.
By contributing to a Spousal RRSP, the higher‑earning spouse receives a tax deduction that could lower their personal tax bill for the year, while the lower‑earning spouse would get taxed at a lower marginal tax rate when the money is withdrawn from the Spousal RRSP. When the lower‑income spouse retires and begins to draw on the income, their lower tax rate can be helpful in managing your tax burden as a couple. At the same time, the tax deduction on contributions made by the higher-income spouse may allow for more immediate tax relief.
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Mutual Funds
Mutual funds and other securities are offered through Aviso Wealth, a division of Aviso Financial Inc. Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with mutual fund investments. Please read the prospectus before investing. Unless otherwise stated, mutual funds, other securities and cash balances are not covered by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation or by any other government deposit insurer that insures deposits in credit unions. Mutual funds and other securities are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated. Online brokerage services are offered through Qtrade Direct Investing. Qtrade Direct Investing, Qtrade Guided Portfolios and Aviso Wealth are divisions of Aviso Financial Inc.
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