November 7, 2022
Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP)
Grow your savings and pay less tax.
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What's an RRSP?
If you're looking to lower your income tax bill, saving to buy your first home, planning to pay for education, or building your retirement nest egg, a registered retirement savings plan (RRSP) can help you get there faster.
An RRSP not only keeps more money in your pocket today by lowering your current income tax bill, but your RRSP savings grow faster because you only pay tax when you take money out. Some programs, such as the Home Buyers' Plan, even allow tax-free withdrawals, provided you repay the money within a certain timeframe.
Unlike RRSPs you'd find elsewhere, a group RRSP can save you even more with competitive fees, immediate tax breaks with easy payroll contributions, and in some cases, company matching contributions.
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When is the RRSP contribution deadline?
You can contribute to your RRSP at any time, but to lower your income tax for the 2022 tax year, make your contributions no later than March 1, 2023.
Put money in your RRSP today
Give your savings a boost with a lump sum RRSP contribution. Sign in to your online account or better yet, follow these steps to make it even easier with the Manulife Mobile app.
Haven't joined your group RRSP yet?
Need help?
Check our FAQ to learn how to put money in your plan.
Our FAQ can also help you:
- Change your funds
- Update your personal information
- Join your program (including your RRSP and maybe other plans too!)
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Lower your taxes today
Every dollar you add to your own RRSP (or spousal RRSP) lowers your taxable income, so you pay less tax.
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Invest for tomorrow
There are many ways to help your group RRSP savings grow, including having access to a wide range of investment funds you might not get elsewhere.
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Grow your money and defer taxes, too!
Savings inside an RRSP can grow faster because you only pay tax when you take the money out. Until then, they benefit from tax-deferred growth.
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How much can I contribute to my RRSP?
There is a limit to how much you can put in your RRSP each year. Check your most recent notice of assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to confirm your maximum contribution limit. You can also view your limit online when you register for CRA's My Account.
Your contribution limit for the current year includes:
- Any unused contribution room carried forward from previous years
- 18% of your previous year's earned income up to the maximum contribution limit for the current tax year (For 2022, the maximum contribution limit is $29,210)
Note: Any deposits you or your employer make into a registered pension plan will reduce your RRSP contribution room. Always check your personal contribution limit.
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When is the RRSP contribution deadline?
You can contribute to your RRSP at any time, but to lower your income tax for the 2022 tax year, make your contributions no later than March 1, 2023.
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How do I contribute to my RRSP?
You can make a one-time, lump sum contribution or regular, automatic transfers to an individual RRSP. If you belong to a company-sponsored group RRSP, contributions are usually made directly from your employer's payroll.
It's easy to join your group RRSP. To get started, simply sign in.
Need help? Visit our FAQ.
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What are the advantages of a group RRSP?
A group RRSP allows for regular, automatic contributions from your paycheque, giving you an immediate tax break. Each dollar you contribute to an RRSP lowers your taxable income by the same amount. Group RRSPs usually offer more competitive fees than individual RRSPs so your savings can grow faster.
Why save in a group RRSP?
Manulife group RRSP |
Individual RRSP |
|
---|---|---|
Allows you to save while lowering your income-tax bill |
Yes |
Yes |
More competitive account fees |
Yes |
No |
Ability to contribute through payroll deductions |
Yes |
No |
Employer contribution matching program (if available) |
Yes |
No |
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RRSP FAQs
How do I make a lump sum RRSP contribution using the Manulife Mobile app?
Have you given us your banking information yet? If not, sign in to your online account to add your banking info before you begin the steps below.
- Sign in to Manulife Mobile and choose your Group Retirement account.
- Tap Transactions at the bottom of your screen, then tap Lump Sum Contribution.
- Confirm your identity with a one-time code, if asked.
- Enter your contribution details and bank details then tap Next.
- Review your contribution request and tap Submit.
Be sure to save your confirmation number in case you want to ask us about this contribution later.
How does a group RRSP work?
A group RRSP is an employer-sponsored plan that allows eligible employees to contribute to their retirement savings while benefiting from more competitive management fees. If available, automatic and recurring payroll contributions make saving easier and give an immediate tax break.
How do I get my tax receipts for my Manulife group RRSP?
Manulife provides tax receipts for any contributions made to the plan. You get two receipts: one for the first 60 days of the calendar year and another for the remainder of the year.
Visit our tax receipts and slips page for more information.
What's the difference between an RRSP and a TFSA?
The major difference between RRSPs and tax-free savings accounts (TFSAs) is how they shelter your money from tax: RRSP contributions are tax deductible, meaning you reduce the amount of money you have to pay taxes on, which doesn’t happen for money you put in a TFSA. However, withdrawals from an RRSP will be taxed at your annual marginal tax rate, while withdrawals from a TFSA aren't taxed.
Does a Manulife group RRSP support the Home Buyers' Plan?
Like any RRSP, members can make Home Buyers' Plan withdrawals from their Manulife group RRSP. The only exception would be if your employer puts a restriction on withdrawals while you're employed. Most employers—but not all—will remove restrictions stopping withdrawal under the Home Buyers' and Lifelong Learning Plans. Refer to your member booklet or enrolment materials for more information on the details of your plan.
Are RRSP contributions tax deductible for income-tax purposes?
Yes, RRSP contributions are tax deductible for income-tax purposes. The money you put into your RRSP can be deducted from your taxable income, which may reduce the amount of tax you have to pay. You get an immediate tax break when you set up automatic payroll RRSP deductions.
What types of RRSPs are available through Manulife?
Manulife offers several types of RRSPs, depending on your needs. Our group RRSP allows employees to contribute easily with payroll deductions through your employer-provided plan. We also offer a personal plan for members transitioning from a group plan, and a spousal RRSP, which allows spouses to contribute and offers the opportunity for income splitting when withdrawals occur.
What kind of investments are available for RRSPs?
An RRSP has many different options for investing. Members of Manulife group plans can choose their own investment style and fund allocations for their RRSPs.
What happens if I add too much money to my RRSP?
Should you contribute more to your RRSP than your maximum allowable amount for the year, there is a lifetime $2,000 allowance before a penalty occurs, but usually, you'll have to pay a 1% tax per month on overcontributions that exceed your contribution limit by more than $2,000. Always check your annual contribution limit on your notice of assessment or online at CRA's My Account.
If you overcontribute to your RRSP, you can withdraw the excess contribution tax free during the same or following year.
What happens if I don't contribute the full amount or miss a year?
If you don’t fully contribute to your RRSP in a year, the remaining amount is carried forward.
How long can I contribute to my RRSP?
You have until you’re 71 years old to contribute to an RRSP. You can continue to contribute until December 31 on the year of your 71st birthday.