What is RRSP Canada?

Registered Retirement Savings Plan is an effective mechanism to set aside, amass and mushroom your retirement savings. This is done by disciplined stockpiling of funds during your employment phase.

What are the benefits of RRSP Canada?

Taxation benefits

The income returns, interest, dividends, capital gains that you earn within an RRSP are not taxable as long as funds remain in the plan. In addition, the amounts you contribute into an RRSP can be claimed as a tax deduction. For instance, you earned $70,000 in your assessable year and you contributed $12,000 into your RRSP. Then, the CRA assesses only $58,000 for charging taxation.

Similarly, if you feel that you are in the lower tax bracket this year and you have enough deductions and if you foresee that you will be in a higher tax bracket in the future years, you can stay away from claiming the RRSP as a deduction this year and claim it in any subsequent years.

You can also contribute into a Spousal RRSP that is owned by your partner in law & can claim the contributions in your income tax returns.

Allowance for catching up contribution

For example, in the previous example, you could have contributed up to $12,600 into RRSP, however, you introduced only $12,000 into the account. In such an instance, you can contribute $600 plus your eligible cap in the next financial year and claim deduction on taxation.

Early withdrawal options

You can draw up to $35,000 from your RRSP if you plan to buy a new house, without getting tax. The only rule is that it should be the first home you own. Plus, the money should be repaid into the RRSP within the next 15 years with a holiday period of one year.

Similarly, if you would like to pursue education, you may draw up to $20,000 or $10,000 per year and it must be put back into your RRSP in the next 10 years.

Shield from lenders

If you go bankrupt or if your creditor wants to have a claim over your assets due to unpaid dues, the RRSP cannot be taken hold of.

RRSP Canada and its advantages

RRSP is one of the unanimous choices of the Canadians who look to accumulate money for their retirement. The earlier you start investing, the more money will get accumulated as a result of compounding.

Remember, your RRSP investments grow tax deferred within the account, so your RRSP is not taxed right now. However, you have to pay taxes when you withdraw i.e. when you receive payments from the plan.