Are you making this common TFSA mistake? (2024)

* Restrictions apply: Starting in 2009, TFSA contribution room accumulates every year, if at any time in the calendar year you are the age of majority or older and a resident of Canada. In British Columbia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, the age of majority is 19, and a TFSA may not be opened until then. However, you will accumulate contribution room from the time you are 18. TFSA contribution limits are determined by indexing $7,000 to inflation for each year after 2009 and rounding the result to the nearest $500.

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Are you making this common TFSA mistake? (2024)

FAQs

What are common TFSA mistakes? ›

Holding cash in a TFSA

That means one thing: they're no place for cash. If you're only using your TFSA to hold cash, you could be missing out on tax savings that come from investments that grow in value over time tax-free. Instead, talk to an advisor about other higher return investments that you can hold in your TFSA.

How are people using their TFSA wrong? ›

The most common TFSA mistake

If cash makes up the majority of the money you have in your TFSA, you aren't doing it right. But don't worry! You're not alone in making this mistake. Despite its name, a TFSA is not meant to function as a traditional savings account.

What is the downfall of a TFSA? ›

Holding a volatile investment in a TFSA can be risky for a couple of reasons: First, if a capital loss is realized, that loss cannot be used to reduce other taxable capital gains you may have. Second, only the amount withdrawn can be added back to TFSA contribution limit the following year.

What is the downside of a TFSA? ›

Unfortunately, TFSA contributions can't be used to lower your taxable income. This means there is no way to decrease your income tax when contributing to a TFSA. For high income earners this makes an RRSP more appealing.

How does a TFSA work? ›

The Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) program began in 2009. It is a way for individuals who are 18 and older and who have a valid social insurance number (SIN) to set money aside tax-free throughout their lifetime. Contributions to a TFSA are not deductible for income tax purposes.

How is a TFSA treated by the IRS? ›

These accounts are not considered tax deferred accounts by the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS). They have no special status under the Internal Revenue Code. There are no relieving provisions contained in the Canada-United States Tax Treaty.

What is the costly TFSA mistake people make? ›

Over-contributing, by accident

You could be penalized with a tax of 1% per month on the excess amount until it is withdrawn. For instance, a $10,000 over-contribution over 12 months could be subject to a $1,200 tax penalty.

Is TFSA high risk? ›

Cash Using a TFSA savings account is a low-risk option for investing. Banks in Canada are usually insured by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC) at no additional cost. Return rates are generally lower but hold no risk.

Is there a catch to TFSA? ›

If you contribute more than the total allowed amount to your TFSA at any point, you'll be subject to a 1% tax on the highest excess amount in the month for each month you leave the excess amount in the account or until more contribution room becomes available that uses up the over contribution or until you withdraw the ...

Why am I losing money on my TFSA? ›

Yes, you can lose money on a TFSA, but it is easy to avoid losing your money. Typically, people who lose their money on a Tax-Free Savings Account are people who are using it for more volatile investments or people who are over-contributing.

Is it better to keep money in savings or TFSA? ›

You can – and probably should – have both. Both a TFSA and a savings account have their purposes. Having both in your financial portfolio is a pretty good idea. One gives you savings freedom in the short term, the other gives you more potential for savings growth in the long term.

Can I take money out of my TFSA? ›

Depending on the type of investment held in your TFSA, you can generally withdraw any amount from the TFSA at any time. Withdrawing funds from your TFSA does not reduce the total amount of contributions you have already made for the year.

What is the danger zone for TFSA? ›

The first four months of the year have been referred to as a 'danger zone' for those relying on TFSA contribution room data posted on their CRA account. If you've based your TFSA contributions on “My Account” information, be aware that it may not be accurate.

What is not allowed in TFSA? ›

A type of investment that is not intended to be allowed in a TFSA. The full details of what is prohibited are complex, but generally investments in a business where you own at least 10% of the business or investments where you are not at arm's length from the recipient of the investment are prohibited.

How do I avoid tax on my TFSA? ›

Any amount contributed as well as any income earned in the account (for example, investment income and capital gains) is generally tax-free, even when it is withdrawn. Administrative or other fees in relation to a TFSA and any interest on money borrowed to contribute to a TFSA are not tax-deductible.

Is it normal to lose money in a TFSA? ›

Yes. The assets in your TFSA are like any other investment, and they can lose value over time. You can actually lose contribution room too.

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