Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA)
The Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) is an account that provides tax benefits for saving in Canada. Contributions to a TFSA are not deductible for income tax purposes. Investment income, including capital gains and dividends, earned in a TFSA is not taxed, even when withdrawn.
How the TFSA Works
- If you are a Canadian resident aged 18 and older, you can save up to $5,000 every year in a TFSA.
- Your contributions to a TFSA are not deductible for income tax purposes but the investment income, including capital gains, earned in your TFSA is not taxed, even when withdrawn.
- Your unused TFSA contribution room is carried forward and accumulates for future years.
- You can withdraw funds available in your TFSA at any time for any purpose - and the full amount of withdrawals can be put back into your TFSA in future years. Re-contributing in the same year may result in an over-contribution amount which would be subject to a penalty tax.
- Neither income earned in a TFSA nor withdrawals affect your eligibility for federal income-tested benefits and credits.
- You can provide funds to your spouse or common-law partner to invest in their TFSA.
- TFSA assets can generally be transferred to a spouse or common-law partner upon death.