Tfsa Guide for Canadians

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A TFSA, or Tax-Free Savings Account, is a great way for Canadians to save money and grow their wealth over time. Contributions to a TFSA are tax-free, and the money you earn in interest or investment returns is also tax-free.

You can contribute up to $6,000 per year to a TFSA, and the annual contribution limit is indexed to inflation. This means that the limit may increase over time to keep pace with the rising cost of living.

Having a TFSA can be a smart way to save for short-term goals, like a down payment on a house, or for long-term goals, like retirement.

For your interest: Rrsp Max Contribution

What Is TFSA

A Tax-Free Savings Account, or TFSA, is a registered investment account that lets you save for any big-ticket item or goal – tax free. It's a powerful tool for building wealth over time.

You can use a TFSA to save for things like a down payment on a house, a vacation, or even a major purchase like a car. The flexibility and tax benefits make it a great option for many people.

The TFSA is a registered investment account, which means it offers unique tax advantages. One of the key benefits is that investment income earned in a TFSA is never taxed.

You can deduct your contributions from your taxable income now, but that's not the case with a TFSA.

Check this out: Tfsa Tax Free

How to Save

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Start saving today and you'll be surprised at how quickly your savings grow. You can use your TFSA for a variety of goals, such as saving for new furniture, building an emergency fund, or planning for retirement.

Using a TFSA calculator can help you discover the power of tax-free growth. It's a great tool to explore different savings options and see how they can benefit you.

You can earn guaranteed interest on your TFSA savings, tax-free, with a CIBC TFSA Tax Advantage Savings Account or a CIBC TFSA GIC. This means you'll keep what you invest while earning competitive interest on your money.

Grow your savings, tax-free, and you'll be able to reach your financial goals faster.

Suggestion: What Is an Rrsp

Rules and Limits

TFSAs have a few rules and limits you should know about. The maximum annual contribution limit is $7,000 as of 2025.

You can only contribute to a TFSA if you're 18 years or older and a Canadian resident. If you open your first TFSA in 2025, you'll be eligible for the contribution room.

See what others are reading: Tfsa Contribution Limit 2024

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The maximum cumulative contribution room for a TFSA is $102,000 as of January 1, 2025. This is based on the annual contribution limits for each year, which have changed over time.

Here's a breakdown of the annual contribution limits from 2009 to 2025:

You can carry forward any unused contribution room under the cap to subsequent years, without any upward limit. For example, if you contributed $6,000 in 2022, you'd have $88,000 in total contribution room as of 2023.

Contributions and Fees

You can contribute up to $7,000 to a TFSA in 2024. This is a significant amount, and it's worth noting that this limit has been increasing over the years.

To give you a better idea, here's a breakdown of the contribution amounts for the past few years:

As a newcomer to Canada, your contribution room starts accruing the year you become a resident of Canada, so it's essential to keep track of your eligibility and contribution limits.

Fees

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If you're considering transferring your TFSA to a different financial institution, be aware that a $150 fee will apply.

Transferring your TFSA can be a good option if you want to change banks or financial institutions.

A $150 fee will be charged if you transfer your RBC TFSA to an institution outside of RBC and its affiliates.

Fees can add up, so it's essential to factor them into your financial planning.

Transfer Fees Refunded by Wealthsimple

Wealthsimple offers a refund for transfer fees if you move a significant amount to their platform. You can get back the transfer fees charged by your brokerage when you move at least $15,000 to Wealthsimple.

Investment Options

You can hold a wide range of investments in a TFSA, including publicly traded shares, eligible shares of private corporations, and debt obligations.

Mutual funds, real estate investment trusts, and annuity contracts are also eligible investments.

In South Africa, Tax Free Investment accounts were launched on March 1, 2015, offering a similar tax-free savings option.

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CIBC offers professionally managed portfolio solutions, called CIBC Portfolio Solutions, to help you create a diversified investment mix without the hassle of managing it yourself.

With CIBC Smart Investment Solutions or CIBC Personal Portfolio Services, you can let expert advisors take care of your TFSA investments, giving you more time to focus on other things.

Get a 1% Match

If you're looking for a way to boost your savings, consider taking advantage of a 1% match on your TFSA. You can get this match by registering for a TFSA by March 15 and transferring at least $15,000 within 30 days of registration.

To qualify for the match, you'll need to meet the registration and transfer deadlines. Be sure to review the terms and conditions to understand the requirements.

The CIBC TFSA Tax Advantage Savings Account offers a competitive, guaranteed interest rate on deposits. This means you can start earning interest on your savings right away.

You can set up recurring deposits to grow your savings faster with the CIBC TFSA. This can help you reach your savings goals more efficiently.

Here are the key details to keep in mind:

Eligible Investments

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A TFSA can hold any investments that are RRSP-eligible, including publicly traded shares on eligible exchanges.

You can also hold eligible shares of private corporations in your TFSA, which can be a great option for those looking to invest in smaller companies.

Certain debt obligations are also eligible for inclusion in a TFSA, providing a relatively low-risk investment option.

Mutual funds are a popular choice for TFSA investments, offering instant diversification and professional money management in a cost-effective and convenient solution.

In South Africa, Tax Free Investment accounts were launched on March 1, 2015, providing a similar investment vehicle to the TFSA.

Some examples of eligible investments for a TFSA include:

  • Publicly traded shares on eligible exchanges
  • Eligible shares of private corporations
  • Certain debt obligations
  • Mutual funds
  • Trust interests, including mutual funds and real estate investment trusts
  • Annuity contracts
  • Warrants, rights, and options
  • Registered investments
  • Royalty units
  • Partnership units
  • Depository receipts

Security and Growth - GICs

If you're looking for a safe and predictable way to grow your savings, GICs (Guaranteed Investment Certificates) are a great option. You can earn a guaranteed return on your investment.

One of the best things about GICs is that they offer flexible access to your money. With the CIBC Flexible TFSA GIC, you can access your money at any time, which can be a big plus if you need to withdraw your funds unexpectedly.

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Another advantage of GICs is that they typically have a minimum investment requirement. For example, the CIBC Flexible TFSA GIC and the CIBC Bonus Rate TFSA GIC both require a minimum investment of $500.

If you're willing to lock your money in for a set period of time, you can earn a higher interest rate. However, keep in mind that some GICs are non-redeemable prior to maturity, as is the case with the CIBC Bonus Rate TFSA GIC.

Here are some key features to consider when choosing a GIC:

Overall, GICs can be a great way to earn a predictable return on your investment while also having access to your money when you need it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the downside of a TFSA?

A TFSA won't reduce your taxable income, which may make it less beneficial for high-income earners. This is a key consideration when deciding between a TFSA and other savings options.

How does a TFSA account work in Canada?

In Canada, a Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) allows individuals 18+ with a valid SIN to save money tax-free throughout their lifetime, with contributions not affecting income tax deductions. It's a simple and flexible way to grow your savings over time.

Is TFSA only in Canada?

Yes, Tax-Free Savings Accounts (TFSAs) are a Canadian financial product. Contributions must stop and penalties apply if you're a non-resident of Canada.

What is the TFSA equivalent in the USA?

The Roth IRA is equivalent to the Canadian TFSA, both being post-tax contribution accounts. Learn more about how these accounts can help you save for retirement.

Can I have a TFSA if I don't live in Canada?

Non-residents of Canada can open a TFSA, but must have a valid SIN and be 18 years or older

Ramiro Senger

Lead Writer

Ramiro Senger is a seasoned writer with a passion for delivering informative and engaging content to readers. With a keen interest in the world of finance, he has established himself as a trusted voice in the realm of mortgage loans and related topics. Ramiro's expertise spans a range of article categories, including mortgage loans and bad credit mortgage options.

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