
When you contribute to a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP), you're essentially setting aside money for your future retirement years.
The good news is that RRSP contributions are tax-deductible, which means you can lower your taxable income for the year.
You can contribute up to 18% of your earned income, up to a maximum annual limit set by the government.
As a general rule, RRSP contributions are tax-free until you withdraw the funds in retirement.
RRSP Taxation Basics
Contributions to a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) are tax deductible, which means you can reduce your taxable income by the amount you contribute.
Funds held in a RRSP grow on a tax-deferred basis, meaning you won't pay taxes on the investment gains until you withdraw the funds in retirement.
You'll end up paying less taxes overall if you're in a lower tax bracket when you retire and start making withdrawals.
Recommended read: Taxation of Private Equity and Hedge Funds
What's the Withholding Rate?
The withholding rate on RRSP withdrawals is determined by the amount you take out and your residency status. If you're a resident of Canada, the withholding rates are as follows:
- 10% on amounts up to $5,000
- 20% on amounts over $5,000 up to including $15,000
- 30% on amounts over $15,000
Residents of Québec also pay a provincial sales tax of 15% in addition to the federal withholding tax. If you're a non-resident of Canada, you'll pay a 25% withholding tax rate, regardless of the size of the withdrawal.
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Understanding Retirement Savings

Saving for retirement can be a daunting task, but starting early is key. The earlier you start, the longer you can benefit from compounding and market increases over time.
Contributions to a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) are tax deductible, and funds grow on a tax-deferred basis.
RRSP contributions are capped at 18% of your previous year's income, minus any pension adjustments, up to a maximum limit set by the Government of Canada.
The maximum contribution limit for 2023 is $30,780, which can be found on the Canada Revenue Agency website.
Contributions can be made throughout the year and within the first 60 days of the following year.
If you're in a lower tax bracket when you retire and start making withdrawals, you'll end up paying less taxes overall.
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Calculating and Withdrawing RRSP Funds
You can withdraw funds from your RRSP, but there are tax implications to consider. The amount of withholding tax you pay on lump-sum RRSP withdrawals is the same whether you wait until age 71 or not.
Funds withdrawn from a RRSP will be treated as income and taxed at your marginal tax rate. Most people wait until they retire to make withdrawals, but you don't have to.
If you withdraw funds from a RRSP, your withdrawals will be subject to withholding taxes and will be added to your income unless they are being made under the Home Buyers' Plan or Lifelong Learning Plan.
The RRSP withholding tax rate depends on the province where you reside and the amount you take out. Here's a breakdown of the current tax rates on RRSP withdrawals:
RRSP withdrawals must be included in your tax return and may be subject to additional tax depending on your marginal tax rate.
RRSP Withdrawal Terms and Options
If you're considering withdrawing from your RRSP, you'll want to know the tax implications first. The withholding tax rate depends on the province where you reside and the amount you take out, ranging from 10% to 30% of the withdrawal amount.
There are some exceptions to the withholding tax, however. If you're eligible for the Home Buyers' Plan (HBP) or the Lifelong Learning Plan (LLP), you can withdraw up to $60,000 or $20,000 respectively from your RRSP without facing the withholding tax.
Another option is to let your RRSP mature and transfer the funds to an RRIF, which will allow you to receive taxable income without having to pay the withholding tax.
For another approach, see: Rrsp Withholding
Payment at Withdrawal
If you're planning to withdraw from your RRSP, you'll need to consider the tax implications. You'll pay a withholding tax, which varies depending on the amount withdrawn and your province of residence.
In Canada, the withholding tax rates are as follows: 10% for amounts up to $5,000, 20% for amounts between $5,000 and $15,000, and 30% for amounts above $15,000. However, if you live in Quebec, the provincial withholding tax is an additional 15%.
If you're a non-resident, you'll pay tax at 25% on each withdrawal, regardless of the amount. It's essential to note that your income tax payable changes depending on your province.
Here's a breakdown of the withholding tax rates in Canada:
Keep in mind that you'll also pay income tax on your withdrawals, which will be reported on your tax return. This means you'll pay more taxes if your current income is higher than your retirement income.
Withdrawal Payment Terms
You'll be subject to withholding tax when you withdraw funds from your RRSP, which can range from 10% to 30% depending on the amount and your province of residence.
The withholding tax rate depends on how much you withdraw: 10% for amounts up to $5,000, 20% for amounts between $5,000 and $15,000, and 30% for amounts over $15,000.
In Quebec, the withholding tax rate is slightly different: 5% for amounts up to $5,000, 10% for amounts between $5,000 and $15,000, and 15% for amounts over $15,000.
If you're a non-resident of Canada, you'll pay a 25% withholding tax rate on all RRSP withdrawals.
If this caught your attention, see: Bonus Tax Rate

Here's a breakdown of the withholding tax rates in Canada:
Additionally, you'll need to report your RRSP withdrawals as income on your tax return, which could lead to a higher tax bill if your current income is higher than your retirement income.
The financial institution administering your RRSP will withhold the taxes directly from your account, so you won't need to worry about paying them separately.
RRSP Benefits and Considerations
Contributing to RRSPs can lower your income tax by allowing you to deduct contributions from your taxable income.
You can contribute to your RRSP now and postpone the tax reduction, which can be beneficial if you expect your income to be higher in the future.
The sooner you start to save, the longer you'll have to benefit from compound growth, which can help your savings grow faster over the long term.
You can use your tax refund to make further RRSP contributions, reducing your taxable income and helping you reach your savings goals sooner.

RRSPs can help you save for more than your retirement, such as funding home ownership or an education through the Home Buyers' Plan or the Lifelong Learning Plan.
You can borrow up to $35,000 from your RRSP to buy a new home through the Home Buyers' Plan, but you'll need to repay the amount within 15 years.
Withdrawing funds from a RRSP for education through the Lifelong Learning Plan can be a great option, allowing you to withdraw up to $10,000 a year for full-time education or training.
A different take: Capital Gains on Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the disadvantage of a RRSP?
Withdrawing from a RRSP before retirement comes with a penalty: you'll pay withholding tax and lose future contribution room. This can impact your long-term savings goals
Sources
- https://www.wealthsimple.com/en-ca/learn/rrsp-withholding-tax
- https://www.td.com/ca/en/investing/direct-investing/articles/rrsp-taxation
- https://www.nerdwallet.com/ca/banking/rrsp-withdrawal-explained
- https://www.wealthsimple.com/en-ca/learn/withdraw-rrsp-without-paying-tax
- https://www.td.com/ca/en/personal-banking/products/saving-investing/registered-plans/rsp/rrsp-withdrawal-rules
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