When is the best time to withdraw money from an RRSP in terms of cost?

Jamie Golombek, vice-president of taxation and estate planning at AIM Trimark Investments, has the answer.

Jamie Golombek 22 May, 2003 | 1:00PM
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn

Dear Expert:

When is the best time to withdraw money from your RRSP so as not to cost you too much?

Expert Answer:

Since each dollar withdrawn out of an RRSP is fully included in your income, there is no ideal time to withdraw money from an RRSP other than to withdraw funds in a taxation year in which you otherwise have a lower taxable income.

In addition, it is wise to keep all RRSP withdrawals under $5,000 to keep the federal withholding tax that is applied by the financial institution to the bare minimum of 10%, applicable to withdrawals under $5,000. Note that the withholding tax rate rises to 20% for withdrawals between $5,000 and $15,000 and to 30% for withdrawals over $15,000. (In Quebec, the respective combined federal/provincial rates are 21%, 30% and 35% for the same thresholds.)

Do you have a question?

All Ask the Expert questions are read and considered. Unfortunately we can't provide individual responses or respond to every question. Please note that questions about specific securities cannot be considered. Click here to Ask the Expert.


No statement in this article should be construed as a recommendation to buy or sell securities or to provide investment advice or individual financial planning. Morningstar Canada does not provide specific portfolio advice and recommends the use of a qualified financial planner when appropriate.

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn

About Author

Jamie Golombek

Jamie Golombek  

© Copyright 2024 Morningstar, Inc. All rights reserved.

Terms of Use        Privacy Policy       Disclosures        Accessibility