Mainstreet Credit Union - RRSP vs. TFSA: Find the Right Balance
RRSP or TFSA? Most Canadians can benefit from having a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP or RSP for short) and a Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA) — both are great tax-sheltered savings vehicles.
The key difference is whether you pay taxes now or later
RRSP contributions are tax deductible, so they generate a tax credit. But withdrawals are taxed as income.
TFSA contributions are made with after-tax dollars, so withdrawals are not subject to taxation. This makes TFSAs ideal for an emergency fund, as well as for saving for a vacation or other big ticket item.
Your circumstances and goals will determine how you allocate your resources. As you formulate your strategy for your RRSP and TFSA, here are three scenarios to consider:
You believe your tax bracket in retirement will be lower than it is currently
RRSP contributions give you a tax break now, and your withdrawals in retirement may be taxed at a lower rate.
You have a generous pension plan, or for other reasons expect to enjoy a comfortable retirement lifestyle
TFSA contributions will provide tax-free income in retirement. By comparison, withdrawals from an RRSP (and from a Registered Retirement Income Fund) are taxable and, combined with other income sources, could push your taxable income high enough to trigger a clawback of your Old Age Security pension.
You’re in a low tax bracket but expect to earn more in the future.
If you direct savings to a TFSA now, you can save your RRSP contribution room to use later, when you’re in a higher tax bracket and your contributions may generate a larger tax refund.
There are many avenues to setting up your TFSA. A Mainstreet advisor can help you determine which avenue is the best option for you. Book a meeting with an advisor today.
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