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| Minimum withdrawal for year | The legislated minimum amount for the current calendar year | Must be withdrawn by December 31 |
| YTD withdrawals | Total withdrawn so far this year | Track against minimum; paid out as T4RIF income |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 |