To make a withdrawal from your TFSA, follow these steps:
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Log In: Access your plan account on a desktop computer.
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Navigate to Withdrawals: Click on your name in the top right corner, then select "Withdrawals" from the drop-down menu.
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Choose Your Account and Amount: Select the account you want to withdraw from. Decide whether to make a full withdrawal or enter a specific amount for a partial withdrawal.
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Enter Bank Details: Provide your bank account information to receive the funds directly.
Transaction Fees
- Partial Withdrawals: $35 + tax
- Full Withdrawals: $75 + tax
Processing Time
- Withdrawals from your TFSA typically take up to 10 business days to complete.
Restrictions
- Unlike RRSPs, TFSA withdrawals are not restricted by your employment status. You can withdraw funds whether you are still employed or have left your job.
Tax Implications
A key benefit of a TFSA is that there are no tax penalties for withdrawing funds. Withdrawals are not considered taxable income, so they won’t affect your tax bracket or increase your tax bill. This makes TFSAs appealing for quick access to cash, but remember that withdrawing funds could disrupt your long-term savings strategy.
Contribution Room
If you withdraw money from your TFSA, the amount you take out is added back to your contribution room in the following year, allowing you to re-contribute without losing any savings potential. However, if you re-contribute in the same year, it will count against your current year’s contribution limit, so be sure to check your available room to avoid over-contributing and incurring penalties.
Stay the Course for Growth
While it’s tempting to use the flexibility of a TFSA for immediate needs, staying the course and keeping your funds invested can significantly boost your savings over time, thanks to the power of compound interest. The longer your money stays invested in your TFSA, the more it can grow, potentially leading to much larger savings for your future goals.