How to Withdraw Funds From an RRSP

Posted by Anonymous , 9/4/2007 Tags:WithdrawFundsFromRRSP
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How to Withdraw Funds From an RRSP

Introduction

A registered retirement savings plan (RRSP) in Canada works for the account holder both before and after funds are withdrawn. It provides a tax deduction for the amount contributed while the account is active. It also guarantees tax-free earnings, which accumulate and offset tax liability after funds are removed. Taxwise, an RRSP is the most generous savings plan available in Canada.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You'll Need

  • Access to your RRSP plan through a financial institution or broker

Steps

1

Step One

Pull money from your RRSP account to pay for a home down payment or continuing education costs. As a government-sponsored incentive toward affordable college and housing, these two allowable withdrawals will incur no tax withholding.
2

Step Two

Request money from your account for emergencies or large purchases, but plan for an immediate tax payment. The administrator of your RRSP will withhold a fixed percentage of your withdrawal for taxes. Any shortfall in actual tax owed the government will be added to your annual assessment.
3

Step Three

Offset your loan with your yearly tax refund from your RRSP account. The money you get back from your taxes can help you pay back your loan amount by reallocating your refund into your retirement plan.
4

Step Four

Remove RRSP funds for retirement in one lump sum and close your account. You may decide to move your money to another type of income-producing account or deposit it into your personal savings account. The tax percentage withheld, however, and possibly a remaining tax assessment, will be greater.
5

Step Five

Withdraw funds for retirement on a monthly or as-needed basis. In all provinces other than Quebec, you will be assessed a tax percentage based on the amount of money withdrawn. Within Quebec, this tax percentage will be lower, but a provincial tax will be added. For details, visit the Canada Revenue Agency (see Resources below).

Tips & Warnings

  • If your RRSP is "locked in," you cannot withdraw any money until you retire from the workforce. If it is not locked in, you can withdraw funds at any time. These withdrawals may be subject to taxes at that time.
  • You must begin withdrawing money from your RRSP account by age 71.
  • Tax assessment rates may change, so check periodically with your plan administrator.
  • Even though you may have paid into a spouse or common-law partner's RRSP fund, you are probably not eligible to withdraw any money from it. If you think you have extenuating circumstances, talk to your plan expert about exceptions to this rule.
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