Calculators
Financial Calculators
Tax Free Savings Account (CDN)
How taxes are applied to an investment can make an incredible difference. Starting in 2009 all Canadians 18 and older have a new option to save where all earnings and withdrawals are tax free. You are able to contribute up to $5,000 per year to a Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA) and make tax free withdrawals at any time for any purpose. This flexible account even allows you to recontribute withdrawn amounts at a later date without reducing the maximum normal contribution for the year. This calculator is designed to help compare a normal taxable investment to a TFSA and a RRSP.
Definitions
Taxable Savings
This is an ordinary, taxable, savings account. There are no restrictions for deposits or withdrawals, but all earnings and capital gains are taxable. In addition, there is no tax deduction to any deposits to an ordinary taxable account.
Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA)
This is a savings account that allows Canadians 18 and older to save up to $5,000 per year in tax free. Withdrawals can be made at any time for any purpose and are tax free - including capital gains. For complete details of the how a TFSA works please see http://www.budget.gc.ca/2008/pamphlet-depliant/pamphlet-depliant2-eng.asp.
Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP)
This is a savings account set up primarily for retirement savings. Contributions to a RRSP are generally tax deductible but withdrawals are taxed at your normal income tax rates. There are additional restrictions to how you can withdraw funds from this type of account. For complete details of the how a RRSP works please see http://www.budget.gc.ca/2008/pamphlet-depliant/pamphlet-depliant2-eng.asp.
Starting balance
Any existing balance for the accounts.
New contributions
Your periodic contribution. All contributions are assumed to happen at the beginning of the period.
Years to contribute
Number of years you plan on making contributions.
Contribution frequency
The frequency of your contributions. The options are weekly, every other week, twice monthly, monthly, quarterly, semi-annually or Annually. All contributions are assumed to be made at the beginning of the period.
Annual rate of return
This is the annual rate of return you expect from your investments after taxes. Please use a realistic rate. Consult an investment professional for an appropriate rate of return.
Income tax rate
Your mariginal income tax rate. This is used to estimate the amount of tax you will pay on your RRSP and taxable account options.
Compensate for tax-deduction
If you check this box the calculator will assume contributions to the RRSP investment are tax-deductible when they are made. The calculator will then increase the contribution amount for the RRSP investment by the amount required to make the net contribution equal to the investments that have contributions made on an after tax basis.