Tax Free Savings Accounts (TFSAs)
Save your money and the taxes! A Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA) is a registered general-purpose savings product that allows you to earn tax-free interest income in the account to more easily meet your short-term or lifetime savings needs whether it be to purchase a new car, renovate a house, start a small business or take a family vacation.
A TFSA can make an excellent complement to an RRSP and may be used to maximize retirement income when RRSP contribution limits have been reached.
How does a Tax-Free Savings Account Work?
- Canadian residents age 18 or older who is an eligible taxpayer and has a SIN number is eligible.
- Current annual deposit limit $6,000
- Investment income earned and withdrawals made from a TFSA account are not subject to tax.
- Unused TFSA contribution room is carried forward and accumulates in future years.
- Full amount of withdrawals can be put back into the TFSA in future years. Re-contributing in the same year may result in an over-contribution amount which would be subject to a penalty tax.
- Choose from a wide range of TFSA investment options such as Mutual Funds*, Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GICs) and Bonds.
- Contributions are not tax-deductible like an RRSP product.
- Neither income earned within a TFSA nor withdrawals from it affect eligibility for federal income-tested benefits and credits, such as Old Age Security, the Guaranteed Income Supplement, and the Canada Child Tax Benefit.
- Funds can be given to a spouse or common-law partner for them to invest in their TFSA.
- TFSA assets can generally be transferred to a spouse or common-law partner upon death.
How much can I contribute?
Starting in 2009, TFSA contribution room accumulates each year in which you are at least 18 years of age (at any time in the year), have a Canadian social insurance number and are a resident of Canada.
Contribution room for each year is as follows:
- 2009: $5,000
- 2010: $5,000
- 2011: $5,000
- 2012: $5,000
- 2013: $5,500
- 2014: $5,500
- 2015: $10,000
- 2016: $5,500
- 2017: $5,500
- 2018: $5,500
- 2019: $6,000
- 2020: $6,000
- 2021: $6,000
- Total: $75,500
* Mutual funds are offered through Credential Asset Management Inc.
Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRAO)
FSRAO's role is to protect depositors of Ontario credit unions. All insurable non-registered deposits are covered up to $250,000. Insurable deposits in registered accounts have unlimited deposit coverage. This is free automatic coverage for you our members!
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