Skip to main content

Featured

How to Use a Spousal RRSP to Save Thousands in Retirement (2026 Guide)

  Published: April 2026 | Reading time: 10 min | Category: Retirement, Tax Savings, Personal Finance Most Canadian couples are leaving thousands of dollars on the table every single year by not using a spousal RRSP. It's one of the most powerful — and most underused — income-splitting strategies available to Canadians, and it's completely legal, fully endorsed by CRA, and available to almost every married or common-law couple in the country. If one spouse earns significantly more than the other, a spousal RRSP can save your household $5,000–$15,000 or more in lifetime taxes. This guide explains exactly how it works, who benefits most, and the rules you need to know to do it correctly. What Is a Spousal RRSP? A spousal RRSP is a Registered Retirement Savings Plan where one spouse (the contributor ) makes contributions, but the account is owned and will eventually be withdrawn by the other spouse (the annuitant ). The key mechanics: The contributing spouse gets the ...

article

Navigating Uncertainty: Capital Gains Tax Changes Leave Taxpayers in a Bind

The recent prorogation of Parliament by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has thrown taxpayers into a state of uncertainty regarding capital gains tax. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) continues to enforce the proposed changes, which increase the inclusion rate from 50% to 66.67% for gains over $250,000, despite the legislation not being formally enacted. This leaves taxpayers with two unappealing options: file based on the proposed legislation and potentially overpay, or file based on the previous rules and risk future penalties.

The CRA's decision to uphold the proposed changes, citing consistency and fairness, has frustrated many who made financial decisions based on the anticipated tax hike. With the future of the legislation uncertain, taxpayers are left scrambling to decide the best course of action.

This situation highlights the need for clear and timely legislative processes to avoid such dilemmas in the future. Until then, taxpayers must navigate these murky waters with caution and seek professional advice to mitigate potential risks.






Comments