Skip to main content

How to Read Your RRIF Statement in Canada (2026)

Updated

Sections of a RRIF Statement

Section What It Shows What to Check
Account holder Your name, account number, SIN on file Verify beneficiary designation is current
Statement period Date range covered Ensure it covers the full calendar year if annual
Market value Total account value at current prices Baseline for next year’s minimum withdrawal calculation
Opening market value Account value at start of period Cross-reference to last statement’s closing value
Minimum withdrawal for year The legislated minimum amount for the current calendar year Must be withdrawn by December 31
YTD withdrawals Total withdrawn so far this year Track against minimum; paid out as T4RIF income
Withholding tax remitted Tax withheld on withdrawals above the minimum Shown on your T4RIF slip in February
Holdings detail Each investment held in the RRIF Review allocation; RRIF funds should be lower-risk over time
Transactions Full record of withdrawals, buys, sells, dividends Verify all withdrawals match your expectations
Successor annuitant / Beneficiary May appear as a note on the statement Confirm the designation is current

RRIF Minimum Withdrawal Rates by Age (2026)

Age on January 1 Minimum Withdrawal Factor Annual Minimum on $300,000 RRIF
65 4.00% $12,000
70 5.00% $15,000
71 5.28% $15,840
72 5.40% $16,200
75 5.82% $17,460
80 6.82% $20,460
85 8.51% $25,530
90 11.92% $35,760
95+ 20.00% $60,000

Minimum is calculated on January 1 account value × factor for your age. You can use your younger spouse’s age to reduce the minimum.

How RRIF Withdrawals Appear on Your Statement

Transaction Type What It Means Tax Treatment
Minimum withdrawal Required annual drawdown Taxable income; 0% withholding at source
Voluntary excess withdrawal Amount above the minimum you chose to take Taxable income; withholding applies
In-kind withdrawal Securities transferred out rather than sold for cash Taxable on fair market value at time of transfer
Spousal rollover on death Transfer to surviving spouse’s RRIF/RRSP via successor annuitant Tax-deferred; no immediate tax
Final year minimum Prorated if RRIF opened partway through the year Minimum applies from year after conversion

Withholding Tax on RRIF Withdrawals

Withdrawal Amount Federal Withholding Rate With Quebec
Minimum withdrawal only 0% 0%
Excess up to $5,000 10% Federal 5% + QC 14%
Excess $5,001–$15,000 20% Federal 10% + QC 14%
Excess over $15,000 30% Federal 15% + QC 14%

Note: 0% withholding on the minimum does not mean 0% tax rate. You will owe tax on the full minimum at your marginal rate when you file. Setting aside money for April 30 or requesting voluntary tax withholding from your institution avoids a surprise bill.

Reading Your Holdings in a RRIF

Column What It Means RRIF-Specific Consideration
Market value Current worth of each holding January 1 value determines next year’s minimum
Asset allocation breakdown % in equities, fixed income, cash RRIF allocations typically shift toward income/bonds over time
GIC maturity dates When GICs mature inside the RRIF Ensure liquidity to meet minimum withdrawals — avoid locking all funds in GICs
Cash balance Uninvested cash in the account Used to fund withdrawals without selling investments

Your T4RIF Slip vs Your Statement

Item RRIF Statement T4RIF Slip
Total withdrawals Shown in YTD withdrawals Box 16 (qualifying pension) or Box 24 (total)
Tax withheld Shown in withholding section Box 28
Annuity out of RPSP Not applicable Box 22 if applicable
When available Year-round on online portal Issued by end of February
Used for Planning and monitoring Required to file your T1 tax return

Important: The pension income credit (federal 15% × up to $2,000 = $300 credit) applies to eligible RRIF income starting at age 65. Box 16 of your T4RIF confirms whether your withdrawals qualify.

What to Do When You Receive Your RRIF Statement

Action Why
Confirm minimum withdrawal is on track Missed minimum withdrawal triggers a 1% per month CRA penalty on the shortfall
Verify beneficiary or successor annuitant designation Life changes (divorce, death of named person) require updating
Check if GIC maturities cover upcoming withdrawals Prevent forced selling of equity positions to fund minimum payments
Review asset allocation drift As the account draws down, a more conservative mix reduces sequence-of-returns risk
Compare January 1 value to prior year Lower January 1 value = lower minimum for the coming year (beneficial in a down market)
Match T4RIF totals in February against your records Discrepancies must be resolved before filing your return

Pension Income Splitting with RRIF Income

Rule Detail
Eligible income to split RRIF income qualifies once you are 65 or older
Maximum split Up to 50% of eligible RRIF income to your spouse
Form required T1032 (Joint Election to Split Pension Income)
Benefit Moves income to a lower-bracket spouse; reduces combined tax; may reduce OAS clawback
Election is annual Must be made each tax year; not automatic