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Converting your RSP to a RIF at 71

July 20, 2021

Written by Anne Papmehl

Key takeaways

  • Many people choose RIFs because they offer investment and income flexibility.

  • You must withdraw a minimum amount from your RIF each year starting the year you turn 72.

  • Any amount you withdraw over the minimum is subject to a withholding tax.

Converting your RSP to a RIF at 71

If this is the year you turn 71, you have until December 31 to wind down your RSP. 

You have some options: 

  • Convert to a Retirement Income Fund (RIF) 
  • Convert to an annuity 
  • Withdraw the entire amount to cash 
  • You can also have a combination of the three 

Whatever option you choose, keep in mind that most financial institutions require at least a month's notice to complete the transaction. 

Many people choose RIFs because they offer investment and income flexibility. For instance, you can manage your own RIF in a self-directed account and keep the same investments you already had in your RSP. 

Provided your investments stay in the plan, they will continue to grow tax-deferred. While most people tend to convert their RSP to a RIF around age 71, you can convert any time before that. 

The less you withdraw from your RIF, the less tax you pay for that withdrawal 
 

But here's the thing—you must withdraw a minimum amount from your RIF each year starting the year you turn 72. The government sets the percentage rates for minimum withdrawals—based on the total value of your RIF as of the previous December 31—and these percentages increase slightly each year. Any amount you withdraw over the minimum is subject to a withholding tax. 

Figuring out how to set up your RIF withdrawals requires a close look at your individual tax situation and income needs. Fortunately, you don't have to start withdrawing from your RIF until the year you turn 72 so you may still have some time to plan. 

How much to withdraw? 

If you have a large company pension, earned income, or other investment income, you may not need to pull a lot of money from your RIF—at least not yet—so the minimum withdrawal may be sufficient. That way, you lower your tax bill, avoid the withholding tax and keep the assets in the plan longer. 

It's possible you don't even need any of that RIF withdrawal money just yet. You could put it to work for you in a TFSA—assuming you have contribution or carryover room—or another non-registered account through an in-kind transfer. You'd avoid extra costs associated with selling and converting your investments to cash (withdrawals are still taxable). The benefit of transferring in kind to a TFSA is that, although the money will be part of your taxable income the year you withdraw it from your RIF, whatever it earns going forward in your TFSA will be 100% tax free. 

Do you have a younger spouse? 

If keeping your RIF withdrawal amounts low makes sense to your financial situation, here's another option. If you have a younger spouse, you can use that spouse's age to calculate your minimum RIF withdrawal amount (which would be lower than yours) in order to keep more money in the plan longer. You'd need to let your financial institution know that you want to have the calculation made using your spouse's age before you make your first RIF withdrawal. And because you can't change your mind later, it's important to think this through carefully before committing. 

If you need to withdraw more 

If you need to withdraw more than the annual minimum RIF income, there are two things to consider. One is that the more you withdraw, the sooner you deplete the plan. The other is that whatever you withdraw above the minimum amount will have withholding tax taken off at source, which lowers the amount you actually get. The withholding tax is: 10% for up to $5,000 over the minimum, 20% for $5,001 to $15,000 and 30% for amounts over $15,000. (In Quebec, these amounts are different.) 

One way to lower the withholding tax is to take the money in smaller amounts rather than at one time. Based on the withholding rates, suppose you needed an additional $9,000 of income over your minimum. If you took this at one time, you'd have to pay $1,800 in withholding tax. If you took the money in two installments of $4,500 each, your total withholding tax would be $450 on each withdrawal, for a total of $900. 

Also, depending on your overall tax situation, total annual income and eligibility for tax deductions and credits, you could be get refunded some of the withholding tax when you file your tax return. 

When to withdraw 

You can withdraw from your RIF monthly, quarterly, semi-annually or annually. Monthly withdrawals are a common option for retirees using their RIF income to cover their living expenses. But if you don't need the income immediately, you might consider withdrawing annually at the end of the year, so that your RIF income continues to grow tax deferred during the year. 

There are many things to consider when converting your RSP to a RIF. Be sure to plan ahead before it comes time to convert. Speak to a tax advisor if you have more questions. 

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