The final months of the calendar year are a time when tax strategies are often top of mind. As a reminder, the tax rules allow you to carry forward certain tax credits or deductions not used in the current year.
Be aware that the carryforward rules differ among registered plans. The introduction of the First Home Savings Account (FHSA) has been a source of some confusion. For the FHSA, an account holder can contribute $8,000 in annual participation room. Unused amounts can be carried forward to the following year, but only to a maximum of $8,000 and subject to a lifetime limit of $40,000. In contrast, for the TFSA and RRSP, unused contribution room can be carried forward indefinitely (or until age 71 for the RRSP). This is important because the CRA imposes a penalty of one percent per month on excess contributions. Since the FHSA closes at the end of the year of its 15th anniversary or the year after the first qualifying withdrawal, not contributing the full $8,000 each year could mean missing out on the lifetime limit and its tax-deductible benefits. Not maximizing contributions early also reduces potential tax-free growth.
As you plan before year end, here are some other carryforward rules:
Capital Losses — If investments held in non-registered accounts are sold for less than their original cost, the capital loss can be used to offset capital gains realized during the year. If you don’t have sufficient capital gains, the net capital loss can be carried back three taxation years, or carried forward indefinitely to use against net capital gains. Tip: Be aware of the superficial loss rules, which may deny the loss if you or an affiliated entity acquires the same security 30 days before/after the date of the loss transaction.
Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) — Both unused RRSP contribution room and unused RRSP deductions may be carried forward. Tip: You don’t have to wait for the March 3, 2025, deadline to make contributions. Contributing as early as possible can allow for greater tax-deferred growth. Deferring the deduction may also provide tax-planning opportunities. For instance, if you make a contribution, you can delay the RRSP deduction to a future year, perhaps one in which you have a relatively higher income to offset the higher potential tax.
TFSA — Unused TFSA contribution room can be carried forward indefinitely. Tip: If you need TFSA funds, consider withdrawing before year end. Contribution room resets itself at the start of the calendar year, so withdrawing after Dec. 31, 2024, would mean that this contribution room will not be available until Jan. 1, 2026.
RESP — For the CESG (see page 2) there are carryforward limits. While the 20 percent matching grant is capped at an annual maximum of $500, unused grant room from a previous year can carry forward to a maximum of $1,000 in grants per year ($500 current year + $500 carryforward). Tip: If you haven’t contributed in a prior year, consider a contribution of $5,000 to achieve the maximum grant.
Charitable Donations — Donations not used in the current year can be carried forward for five taxation years. This may be useful for donations made to U.S. charities, as these generally can only be claimed against U.S. source income earned in the year the credit is claimed. Tip: If you donate shares “in kind” to an eligible charity, you receive a donation receipt for the fair market value of the shares. For shares in a non-registered account that have appreciated in value, the donation may also eliminate the tax liability on the capital gains triggered.
Medical Expenses — While medical expenses cannot be carried forward, you can claim eligible expenses for any 12-month period ending in the current taxation year. Tip: If medical expenses do not otherwise exceed the minimum threshold to claim the tax credit in a calendar year, consider choosing a 12-month period that extends into a different calendar year, i.e., if material expenses were incurred from June 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023, the 12-month period of June 1, 2023, to May 31, 2024, would be available to claim the tax credit for the 2024 tax year.
