Retiring Soon? Use an RRIF to Maximize Your Savings

A registered retirement income fund, or RRIF, is one several powerful tax-deferred savings vehicles for Canadians. A RRIF is available to anyone with a registered retirement savings plan (RRSP) but is of particular interest to Canadians who’ve reached the age of 71.

What is an RRIF?

A RRIF is a federally registered account that can provide you with a steady stream of income from your retirement savings. It is essentially a continuation of your RRSP and functions in much the same way. However, you can only make withdrawals from a RRIF; you can’t make deposits.

How a RRIF works

RRSPs are excellent vehicles for securing retirement savings, but they don’t last forever.

You’re required to convert your RRSP into an income-generating account, such as a RRIF or annuity, by the end of the year in which you turn 71. You can also choose to withdraw the balance, but this isn’t typically recommended as the full amount will be taxed as income when you file your annual return.

If you elect to turn your RRSP into an RRIF, you can keep your money in this tax-deferred account and avoid a large tax bill when you turn 71. Once your RRSP becomes an RRIF, you can no longer make contributions into the account and must withdraw a minimum amount starting the following year. That minimum withdrawal amount, which is taxable, is determined by the Canada Revenue Agency based on your age and account balance.

Let’s say you are 72 years old, your withdrawal rate is 5.4%, for example. If you have $100,000 in your RRIF, your minimum required withdrawal for that year would therefore be $5,400 ($100,000 x 0.054). You can set up monthly, quarterly, semi-annual or annual withdrawals, depending on your financial institution.

You are allowed to take out more than the minimum amount, but you can never withdraw less than the legally required minimum.

While all RRIF withdrawals are added to your taxable income when you file your annual return, withdrawals in excess of the minimum amount will have some income tax withheld at the source and remitted to the CRA in advance.

Don’t worry if this seems to be overwhelming — your financial institution can calculate the amount owing for you on request.

Since the amount you have to withdraw increases as you age, the government gives you the option of making withdrawals based on the age of your spouse or common-law partner if they’re younger than you.

🤓 Nerdy Tip: You don’t have to wait until you turn 71 to open an RRIF. You can convert an RRSP, or part of an RRSP, to a RRIF at any time before you turn 71. This can be a good option for those who retire in their 50s and 60s and are looking for a reliable source of income.

If you do elect to start an RRIF before you turn 71, you can figure out your annual minimum withdrawal rate using the following calculation: 1 ÷ (90 – your age). So, for example, at age 65, the withdrawal rate is 4.0% (1 ÷ 25).

How to open an RRIF

You can open an RRIF at any Canadian bank, trust company or credit union. You can also start a RRIF with an insurance company, mutual fund company or an investment firm.

You can hold cash, GICs, stocks and bonds, or ETFs in your RRIF.

The bank that holds your RRIF will help you set it up. The process is straightforward and the institution will help you fill out the paperwork.

Once you set up a RRIF, you will also be able to select how often you want to receive payments (i.e., monthly, quarterly, semi-annually or annually). You can also transfer a RRIF from one bank to another, but there may be a transfer fee.

Frequently asked questions about RRIFs

There are no limits on the number of RRIFs you can have. However, because you are required to receive minimum payments out of each RRIF account each year, it could become confusing and hard to manage if you hold too many RRIFs. Some experts recommend having just one RRIF for simplicity.

» MORE: Should you defer Old Age Security?

A self-directed RRIF is an account that lets you manage the investments within your RRIF on your own. It’s generally suitable for more experienced investors who like to take a hands-on approach to investing and who like to buy and sell their own stocks, bonds and ETFs. It’s important to note that not all investments may be eligible to form part of a RRIF and there could be serious tax consequences if you choose a non-qualifying investment.

Concerning self-directed RRIFs, the Government of Canada website states that “You should pay particular attention to the type of investments you choose for the plan. If you buy non-qualified investments in your RRSP or RRIF, or if qualified investments held in your RRSP or RRIF become non-qualified, there are tax implications.”

Any cash or term deposits (such as GICs) held in a RRIF account at a Canadian financial institution that is a CDIC member are protected up to $100,000 by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation.

If you have investments in a RRIF account with a financial institution or firm that is a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund, they are covered by the CIPF for up to $1 million. Speak to your financial representative to ensure you know how your account is protected.

If you don’t name a beneficiary, the funds in your RRIF become part of your estate and will be taxed as income on your estate’s final return. If you name a qualified beneficiary for your RRIF, such as a spouse or dependent child or grandchild, the value of the account can be transferred to the beneficiary’s RRSP, RRIF or other registered account and no taxes are payable.

If you name a non-qualified beneficiary, such as a sibling or adult child or grandchild, the beneficiary will receive the value of the RRIF account, but it is your estate, not the beneficiary, that must report that money as income for tax purposes. If you plan to name a non-qualified beneficiary, it’s a good idea to seek advice from a financial professional.