It is once again Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) season. How well do you manage your RRSP? Here are some questions to ask:

Do you consider the timing of RRSP deductions? With any RRSP contribution, you’re entitled to a tax deduction for the amount contributed so long as it is within the contribution limit. Keep in mind that you don’t have to claim the tax deduction in the year the RRSP contribution is made. You can carry it forward if you expect income to be higher in future years such that you may be put in a higher tax bracket, potentially generating greater tax savings for a future year.

When do you make contributions? By making contributions at the beginning of the tax year or throughout the year, instead of waiting until March 1st for a deduction from the previous year, you may benefit from the longer time for tax-deferred growth. Due to the power of compounding, over time this can make a noticeable difference.

When was the last time you updated beneficiary designations? It may be beneficial to review account beneficiaries (in provinces where applicable), especially in light of major life changes. For example, in the event of separation or divorce, be aware that named beneficiaries may not be revoked, depending on provincial laws. Therefore, the designation of an ex-spouse may still be in effect.

Have you considered a spousal RRSP? For couples in which one spouse will earn a high level of income in retirement, while the other will have little retirement income, a spousal RRSP may potentially be a valuable income-splitting tool. If you are working past age 71 and have a younger spouse, you can no longer hold your own RRSP after the year you turn 71, but you can still make a contribution to a spousal RRSP as long as your spouse is age 71 or less at year end and you have RRSP contribution room. This may be a good way to get a deduction and shift income to a spouse.

Have you planned for your RRSP’s eventual maturing? There may be benefit in gradually drawing down RRSP funds as you approach retirement. This may be useful if an individual is currently in a lower tax bracket than they expect in future years. Others may seek to limit future sources of taxable income in order to minimize the possible clawback of income-tested government benefits such as Old Age Security. One strategy may be to use RRSP withdrawals to fund Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) contributions (subject to available room). As the TFSA grows, there may be greater flexibility to receive tax-free income that can augment or replace Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF) withdrawals later. At death, TFSA funds can pass tax free to heirs, unlike residual RRSP/RRIF funds that are subject to tax, potentially at high marginal tax rates.

Do you allow your RRSP to grow uninterrupted? Consider the implications of making taxable withdrawals from the RRSP to pay down short-term debt. You may be paying more tax on the RRSP withdrawal than you’ll save in interest costs. In addition, once you make a withdrawal, you won’t be able to get back valuable RRSP contribution room. There may be better options, such as a TFSA in which contribution room resets itself in the following calendar year. Always seek assistance from tax professionals regarding your situation.

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