Spousal RRSP Withdrawals Calculator (2024)

FAQs

What is an example of a spousal RRSP withdrawal 3 year rule? ›

For example, let's say your spouse contributed $3,000 to your spousal RRSP within the three-year attribution period. You withdraw $5,000 during those three years. In this case, they'll be taxed on the $3,000, and you'll be taxed on the remaining $2,000.

You can make a spousal RRSP withdrawal whenever you choose to. However, withdrawals are generally included in income and subject to tax in the year of withdrawal. It's important to remember that it is the annuitant of the spousal RRSP, not the contributor to the spousal RRSP, who is entitled to make withdrawals.

The 4% rule for retirement budgeting suggests that a retiree withdraw 4% of the balance in their retirement account(s) in the first year after retiring, and then withdraw the same dollar amount, adjusted for inflation, every year thereafter.

Strategy: Deferring withdrawals as long as possible is popular for good reason. However, for large RRSPs, drawing earlier may be a better tax strategy. That's because a large RRSP means large mandatory RRIF withdrawals, and you could end up paying more tax than if you drew on it over the years.

Drawbacks of Spousal RRSP Contributions

The three-year attribution rule puts a time limit on when you'll be able to use the funds and if you withdraw funds within this window, the taxes you'll owe on the withdrawal can become expensive.

All RRSPs (including spousal RRSPs) must mature by December 31 of the year you turn 71. Before that time, you have to either transfer your RRSP to a registered retirement income fund (RRIF), use the funds to purchase an eligible annuity or withdraw your RRSP funds in cash or in-kind.

If you have an RRSP and you move out of Canada permanently, you can either choose to: Make a lump sum withdrawal and deregister your RRSP. You'll have to pay withholding tax and income tax on the amount withdrawn. Keep your RRSP and have your investments grow tax-deferred for Canadian tax purposes.

Funds in an RRSP cannot be moved or transferred to an RRSP that does not have the same annuitant as the RRSP where the money is coming from.

The 50/30/20 rule is a budgeting technique that involves dividing your money into three primary categories based on your after-tax income (i.e., your take-home pay): 50% to needs, 30% to wants and 20% to savings and debt payments.

How long will $500,000 last in retirement? ›

Retiring with $500,000 could sustain you for about 30 years if you follow the 4% withdrawal rule, which allows you to use approximately $20,000 per year. However, retiring at a younger age will likely reduce the amount you receive from Social Security benefits.

Three-year attribution rule

From the time a spousal RRSP contribution is made, it must stay in the account for the rest of the calendar year plus 2 more years before money can be withdrawn as the annuitant's taxable income. If money is withdrawn within 3 years, it will be included in the contributor's taxable income.

The withdrawal is not taxable as long as the funds are paid back to your RRSP over a 10-year period, typically starting five years after your first withdrawal. Up to $10,000 can be withdrawn annually with a maximum lifetime withdrawal of up to $20,000 if you meet the criteria.

You can withdraw from your RRSP at any time, including withdrawing small amounts or the entire balance. You can also purchase an annuity or transfer your RRSP funds into a RRIF at anytime, but you will be required to do this by the end of the year you turn 71.

For example: If you contribute $6,000 to your RRSP account and another $6,000 to your spouse's RRSP account in a tax year where your contribution limit is $10,000, you can only claim an RRSP deduction for $10,000.

Your spouse can participate in the HBP by withdrawing from a spousal RRSP, assuming all of the criteria discussed above are met. You generally cannot make a HBP withdrawal from locked-in RRSPs, group RRSPs or Pooled Registered Pension Plans.

You can make a withdrawal from your RRSP any time¹ as long as your funds are not in a locked-in plan. The withdrawal, however, is subject to withholding tax and the amount also needs to be included as income when filing your taxes. There are situations in which tax-deferred withdrawals can be made from your RRSP.