Common Registered Accounts
Tax-Free Savings - TFSA
A Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) is a registered tax-advantaged savings account introduced by the Canadian government in 2009 to encourage eligible Canadians to save. Within a TFSA, the interest, capital gains, and dividends generated by the products are tax-free. You can contribute to the TFSA account at any time after opening it, earn interest or returns, all while being exempt from taxation. The Canadian government sets the annual contribution limit, and this limit can accumulate each year.
Retirement Savings - RRSP
A Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) is a Canadian registered account designed for saving and investing, primarily serving the purpose of deferring taxes. The money contributed to an RRSP can be deducted from the taxable income of the current year, and taxes are paid only when funds are withdrawn. RRSPs are suited for long-term investments, and careful selection of investment targets is essential to maximize benefits from compounding.
Linked Accounts: Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF), Locked-In Retirement Account (LIRA)
Education Savings - RESP
A Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) is a Canadian government-sponsored higher education savings plan. It is designed to provide beneficiaries with an account to save for the expenses associated with higher education. Once contributions are made to the account, the government provides subsidies. When the earnings are withdrawn, taxes are calculated as part of the child's income, often resulting in lower or no tax payments.
Home Buyer's Subsidy - FHSA
The First Home Buyer Saving Account (FHSA) is a newly implemented preferential account starting in 2023, designated for specific savings purposes. To open an account, both the individual and their spouse must not have any property in their name within the past five years. After opening the account, there is an annual contribution limit of $8,000, totaling $40,000, and a combined limit of $80,000 for spouses. If the funds from this account are used for the first home purchase, they will be entirely tax-free.