TFSA or RRSP 2018
One of the most common investment questions Canadians ask themselves today is, “Which is better, TFSA or RRSP”?
Here’s the good news – it doesn’t have to be an either or choice. Why not do both? Below are the features of both plans to help you understand the differences.
Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA)
- Any Canadian resident age 18 or over may open a TFSA. Contribution is not based on earned income. There is no maximum age for contribution.
- Maximum contribution is $5,500 per year.
- There is carry forward room for each year in which the maximum contribution was not made. For those who have not yet contributed to a TFSA, the cumulative total contribution room as of 2017 is $52,000. Read more
Budget 2015 Highlights
On April 21, 2015, Finance Minister Joe Oliver tabled his first federal budget. The provisions of the budget will be of particular interest to owners of small and medium sized businesses, seniors and families with children. As well, those looking to make certain charitable donations will be encouraged by Oliver’s budget.
Below is a brief commentary on each of the key budget proposals.
For Seniors and Savers
Increase in Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA) Limit
- Effective January 1, 2015 the annual contribution limit has been increased from $5,500 to $10,000;
- As a consequence, the automatic indexing of the annual contribution limit has been eliminated;
- On April 24, the CRA announced that even though this provision is not law as yet, they will allow increased deposits to a TFSA effective immediately.
TFSA or RRSP?
One of the most common investment questions Canadians ask themselves today is, “Which is better, TFSA or RRSP”?
Here’s the good news – it doesn’t have to be an either or choice. Why not do both? Below are the features of both plans to help you understand the differences.
Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA)
- Any Canadian resident age 18 or over may open a TFSA. Contribution is not based on earned income. There is no maximum age for contribution.
- Maximum contribution is $5,500 per year starting in 2013 ($5,000 per year for the period of 2009-2012). The contribution must be made by December 31st.
- There is carry forward room for each year in which the maximum contribution was not made.
- The deposit is not tax deductible, but the funds accumulate with no income tax payable on growth.
- Withdrawals may be made at any time on an income tax-free basis. Withdrawals create additional deposit room commencing in the year after withdrawal.
