RRSP, TFSA or FHSA: What are the differences?

20 Aug 2024 | Your goals

RRSP, TFSA or FHSA: What are the differences?
An RRSP is a tax-deferral tool that helps you save for retirement. A TFSA is a savings tool that you can also use for retirement, as well as the other projects you have going on. An FSHA is a tax saving tool that helps you save towards the purchase of your first home. In other words, we have three plans with three different sets of goals.   [table id=15 /]

An RRSP is a tax-deferral tool that helps you save for retirement. A TFSA is a savings tool that you can also use for retirement, as well as the other projects you have going on. An FSHA is a tax saving tool that helps you save towards the purchase of your first home. In other words, we have three plans with three different sets of goals.

 

Summary
RRSP
TFSA
FHSA
Objective
Accumulate tax-sheltered savings while decreasing your taxable income when you contribute.Accumulate tax-sheltered savings.Accumulate tax-sheltered savings for a down payment on a qualifying first home.
You can use it to
  • Save for retirement

  • Buy or build your first home

  • Pay for your education
  • Renovate your home

  • Buy a new car

  • Start a business

  • Travel

  • Save for retirement
  • Buy a first home

  • Save for multiple goals, including retirement (if prescribed conditions to join the plan are met)
Advantages
  • Save for retirement and take advantage of tax deductions when you’re in a higher tax bracket.

  • When you retire, be in a lower tax bracket when you withdraw your money.
  • Continue saving for retirement after you’ve maxed out your RRSP, or another retirement plan.

  • Save for major purchases.

  • Set money aside for emergencies.
  • Save for a first home or other goals and take advantage of tax deductions.

  • Earn tax-sheltered investment income. The withdrawal will be tax-exempt only if the conditions for a qualifying withdrawal are met.

  • Can be combined with other group plans such as an RRSP to increase the downpayment for a first home.

  • Amounts transferred from an RRSP to a FHSA are non-taxable and non-deductible.

  • No obligation to repay the amount used to purchase a property, unlike the Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP).
Maximum age
  • 71 years. After you turn 71, your RRSP must be converted to an income payout product (RRIF or annuity).
  • No maximum age.
  • Age 71 - by December 31 of the year the plan member turns 71, the FHSA account must be closed. Before the account is closed, all savings must either be withdrawn or transferred to a RRIF.
Contributions
RRSP
TFSA
FHSA
Contributions
  • They’re tax deductible, but you do pay taxes on your investment earnings and withdrawals.

  • They’re based on your employment income. But, you can only contribute the lesser of 18% of your previous year’s earned income and the annual maximum set by the Canada Revenue Agency
  • Not tax deductible, but you don’t pay taxes on your investment earnings or withdrawals.

  • Your employment income is not a factor, but there are annual contribution limits that are set by the Canada Revenue Agency
  • Can start as soon as the account is opened.

  • Are tax-deductible and withdrawals are not taxable.

  • Unlike RRSPs, contributions made to an FHSA during the first 60 days of a year, cannot be deducted on the previous year’s tax return.

  • A plan member may hold more than one FHSA, but total contributions and transfers from RRSPs cannot exceed annual and lifetime contribution room.

  • It is possible to transfer amounts from an RRSP to a FHSA, subject to the FHSA annual and lifetime contribution room.
Contribution room
  • Unused contribution room can be carried forward until the year you turn 71.

  • Excess contributions are subject to a penalty tax of 1% per month. This penalty tax only applies if you exceed the $2,000 lifetime over-contribution amount.
  • Any unused contribution room can be carried forward indefinitely.

  • Excess contributions are subject to a penalty tax of 1% per month.
  • The annual contribution limit is $8,000.

  • The lifetime limit is $40,000.

  • The unused contribution room at the end of the year can be carried forward, up to a maximum of $8,000.

  • The maximum that can be contributed for a given year is$16,000, which includes contributions carried over from a previous year, if applicable.

  • Excess contributions are subject to a penalty tax of 1% per month.
Investment income
  • They’re tax exempt as long as they remain in the plan.
  • They're tax exempt
  • Accumulates tax-free and is not taxable upon withdrawal only if the conditions for a qualifying withdrawal are met.
Withdrawals
RRSP
TFSA
FHSA
Can I take my money whenever I want?
  • It depends on the rules of your RRSP.

  • Withdrawals for the Home Buyer’s Plan (HBP) and the Lifelong Learning Plan (LPP) may also be prohibited. Some plans do allow withdrawals, but you’ll have to pay income tax and withdrawal fees.

  • Yes, at any time.
  • Yes, the full amount of a FHSA can be withdrawn in a single withdrawal or in a series of withdrawals, provided the plan member meets the conditions for an eligible withdrawal.

  • A plan member who makes a first eligible withdrawal in a given year will have until December 31 of the following year to withdraw any balance in the FHSA that has not been used to purchase the eligible home.

  • Withdrawals that are not qualifying withdrawals are taxable and included in the income of the plan member making the withdrawal.
Can I recover contribution room following a withdrawal?
  • No. Keep in mind that no matter how much you withdraw, you can only contribute the maximum annual amount set by the Canada Revenue Agency.
  • Yes. Your withdrawals may be redeposited in the same calendar year if you have enough contribution room left, and if you don’t, then you may redeposit them in the following calendar years.

  • No. Unlike the TFSA, contribution and deduction room are not restored following a withdrawal from the FHSA.
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