One of the biggest changes to the Income Tax Act was introduced in 2009, the TFSA or Tax Free Savings Account. Some people are unaware of it while even more do not understand it. Every taxpayer should be taking advantage of this extremely powerful tax savings tool.
The average tax payer benefits the most from the TFSA, while high-income earners, banks and the government benefit by using RRSP’s. To be able to contribute, you need to file a tax return.
Some of the similarities:
Both can consist of Mutual Funds, GIC, Stocks and Bonds etc. and the growth is protected from annual taxation.
Some of the differences:
RRSP’s must be collapsed at age 71 and when withdrawn are taxable.
TFSAs remain for your lifetime and when withdrawn are tax free.
Example:
Two people, each contributing $5000 annually – one in a TFSA and the other one in an RRSP. For the next 20 years ($100,000) will grow to a value of $200,000. In year 20 both withdraw the total amount. The TFSA contributor gets $200,000 to do as they wish, because their tax return shows $0 income and no taxes due. The RRSP contributor gets $160,000 ($40,000 withholding tax) and their tax return shows $200,000 income. The result is approximately another $50,000 taxes owing. The RRSP contributor is left with $110,000 to do as they wish. Would you rather save the money for YOU or YOU & the TAX MAN?
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