Minor RRSP - Advantages & Restrictions

Early Age RRSP

There is no minimum age requirement to open an RRSP account. Children with earned income can open an RRSP account. The following are required in order to do so:

• A SIN (Social Insurance Number) is required for minors.
• Income has to be legitimate
• Income has to be recorded with proper receipts or documents
• T1 tax return has to be filed

There are many advantages of opening an early age RRSP. The followings are a few to mention:

• No actual contributions have to be made in the RRSP. Contributions can be made anytime later on. There is no time limit.
• Accumulates RRSP room for several years, which can be carried forward indefinitely and increases lifetime contribution limits.
• Allows a minor to contribute in RRSP right after entering work force. Someone who did not contribute at an early age wont be able to contribute right after entering work force because there will be no contribution room.
• RRSP deduction can be used anytime later on, when there is enough taxable income to use the deduction. There is no time limit to claim deduction.
• Gives income-splitting opportunity for parents who own business. Parents can hire their own children as employees and can pay then accordingly. Salary given to a child is a tax deductible business expense and it will create contribution room for the child.
• Contributions made in the RRSP will start growing and compounding tax free inside the plan.
• A great way to give children practical lessons about money management and personal finance at an early age.

Not all financial institutions allow minors to have RRSP. Most of the banks and big fund companies (like CI Funds) will allow minors to open an RRSP. Some institutions might put restrictions on minor accounts such as:

a co-signer is required (fund companies can do this)

can’t invest in mutual funds (banks can do this)

can only invest in GICs or savings accounts(banks can do this)

If you happen to face one of these or any other restrictions, do not get discouraged and shop for the best one. Minor RRSP is a great investment vehicle for kids and can provide lifelong benefits.
First Published: May 2007 ADawnJournal.com