RRSP Deadline 2026
The RRSP contribution deadline for the 2025 tax year is March 2, 2026.
Contributions made between January 1, 2025 and March 2, 2026 can be deducted on your 2025 tax return.
Key RRSP Dates
| Tax Year | Contribution Deadline | Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | March 2, 2026 | $31,560 |
| 2024 | March 3, 2025 | $31,560 |
| 2023 | February 29, 2024 | $30,780 |
| 2022 | March 1, 2023 | $29,210 |
The deadline is always the first 60 days of the new year. If day 60 falls on a weekend, the deadline is the next business day.
RRSP Contribution Limits by Year
| Year | RRSP Limit | RRSP Dollar Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 18% of 2025 income | $32,490 |
| 2025 | 18% of 2024 income | $31,560 |
| 2024 | 18% of 2023 income | $31,560 |
| 2023 | 18% of 2022 income | $30,780 |
Your personal limit is the lesser of 18% of your previous year’s earned income or the annual dollar limit, plus any unused room carried forward.
Check your exact contribution room on your CRA My Account or your most recent Notice of Assessment.
How to Maximize Your RRSP
1. Contribute Early
Contributing at the start of the year gives your investments more time to grow tax-free. Waiting until the deadline means losing nearly a full year of tax-sheltered growth.
2. Set Up Automatic Contributions
Rather than scrambling at the deadline, set up monthly contributions throughout the year:
- $500/month = $6,000/year
- $1,000/month = $12,000/year
- $2,000/month = $24,000/year
3. Know When NOT to Contribute
An RRSP may not be optimal if you:
- Have a low income (under ~$50,000) β consider a TFSA instead
- Plan to withdraw within 1-2 years
- Are already in the lowest tax bracket
Use our RRSP vs TFSA calculator to determine which is better for your situation.
What Counts as the Deadline?
The contribution must be deposited by the deadline date. For online transfers, initiate the transfer at least 2-3 business days before the deadline to ensure it arrives on time.
| Method | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| In-person deposit | Same day |
| Online transfer (same bank) | Same day |
| Online transfer (different bank) | 1-3 business days |
| Cheque | 1-5 business days |
RRSP Deadline vs Tax Filing Deadline
| Deadline | 2026 Date | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| RRSP contribution | March 2, 2026 | Last day to contribute for 2025 deduction |
| Tax filing | April 30, 2026 | Last day to file 2025 tax return |
| Tax payment | April 30, 2026 | Last day to pay taxes owed without interest |
| Self-employed filing | June 15, 2026 | Extended filing deadline (payment still April 30) |
Calculate Your RRSP Tax Savings
Use our RRSP calculator to see how much you’ll save in taxes and how your contributions will grow over time.
| Contribution | Tax Bracket | Tax Refund |
|---|---|---|
| $5,000 | 30% | $1,500 |
| $10,000 | 30% | $3,000 |
| $20,000 | 40% | $8,000 |
| $31,560 (max) | 40% | $12,624 |
What If I Over-Contribute?
You have a $2,000 lifetime over-contribution buffer. Contributions beyond that are penalized at 1% per month.
If you accidentally over-contribute:
- Withdraw the excess amount immediately
- Complete Form T3012A
- The 1% penalty applies from the month of over-contribution until withdrawal