
Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) Deduction
A Registered Retirement Savings Plan Deduction is the maximum amount that a Canadian taxpayer can annually contribute to a savings plan and deduct from that year's taxable income. As this is a deduction from taxable income, it is in the taxpayer's best interest to save the maximum in order to minimize the amount of income that is subject to personal income tax. An RRSP deduction is the maximum amount that a taxpayer can invest in a retirement account and deduct from that year's income tax. A Registered Retirement Savings Plan Deduction is the maximum amount that a Canadian taxpayer can annually contribute to a savings plan and deduct from that year's taxable income. A Canadian government site notes that couples can set up a spousal or common-law partner RRSP in order to ensure that their retirement income is evenly split between both partners.

What Is a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) Deduction?
A Registered Retirement Savings Plan Deduction is the maximum amount that a Canadian taxpayer can annually contribute to a savings plan and deduct from that year's taxable income.
Generally, the amount is 18% of the taxpayer's earned income for the previous year, up to an annual limit. For tax year 2020, the RRSP limit was $27,230. For 2021 it rose to $27,830, and for 2022, to $29,210.
An individual's contribution limit can be determined by filling out Form T1028, which is available online.



Understanding the RRSP Deduction
Anyone can, of course, contribute less than the allowable maximum. As this is a deduction from taxable income, it is in the taxpayer's best interest to save the maximum in order to minimize the amount of income that is subject to personal income tax.
How an RRSP Works
A Canadian taxpayer can set up a registered retirement savings plan through a financial institution such as a bank, credit union, trust, or insurance company. The financial institution advises its customers on the types of RRSPs and the investments that are available.
Married people, in particular, have decisions to make. A Canadian government site notes that couples can set up a spousal or common-law partner RRSP in order to ensure that their retirement income is evenly split between both partners.
A self-directed RRSP allows an investor to make their own investment choices, buying and selling at will.
The greatest benefit is achieved if the higher-income partner contributes for the lower-income partner. In that case, the contributor will get the immediate benefit of the tax deduction for that year's contributions. But the annuitant, who is likely to be in a lower tax bracket during retirement, will receive the income and report it.
Other Choices
If you prefer to take charge of your own investments, you may want to set up a self-directed RRSP. This type of plan allows you to build and manage your own investment portfolio by buying and selling any of a variety of investments.
Generally, the money you invest in your RRSP account and the returns on that investment are tax-deferred until you cash it in, make a withdrawal, or receive a payment from the plan. In most cases, that should be after you retire.
Locked-In or Unlocked
RRSP plans may be either locked-in or not locked-in.
The locked-in retirement account, or LIRA, is similar to a company or government pension plan. Only the employer may contribute money to the account. Withdrawals before retirement are not permitted, and withdrawals after retirement are paid in regular installments, like an annuity. (Some provinces permit some hardship withdrawals.)
An unlocked plan permits withdrawals at any time, with the caveat that you'll owe the income taxes in that tax year.
In any case, RRSP contributions are made directly to the RRSP issuer.
Related terms:
Form 8891
Form 8891 was an IRS form completed by U.S. citizens or residents who participated in registered Canadian retirement savings plans or income funds. read more
Government-Sponsored Retirement Arrangement (GSRA)
Government-Sponsored Retirement Arrangement (GSRA) is a Canadian retirement plan for individuals who are not government employees but who are paid from public funds. read more
Home Buyers' Plan (HBP)
The Home Buyers' Plan is a Canadian program allowing individuals to loan themselves retirement funds tax-free to build or purchase their first home. read more
Life Income Fund (LIF)
A life income fund is a type of retirement fund offered in Canada that is used to hold locked-in assets for an eventual payout as retirement income. read more
Locked-In Retirement Account (LIRA)
A Locked-In Retirement Account (LIRA) is a Canadian registered retirement savings account that does not permit early cash withdrawals. read more
Registered Retirement Savings Plan Contribution (RRSP Contribution)
Registered Retirement Savings Plan Contribution are assets invested in an RRSP in Canada. read more
Registered Retirement Savings Plan Deduction Limit
Registered Retirement Savings Plan Deduction Limit is the maximum sum Canada allows taxpayers to deduct from their income when calculating tax liability. read more
Self-Directed RRSP
Self-directed RRSP is a type of RRSP (registered retirement savings plan) that gives the owner more control and flexibility in managing the account. read more