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Estate Planning: Spring Clean Your Registered Plan Beneficiary Designations

May 6, 2022

The idea of spring cleaning often connotes a daunting task.

However, it doesn’t have to be an all-consuming effort — even when it comes to your estate planning. Consider starting with a review of your registered plan beneficiary designations.
When was the last time you reviewed the beneficiary designations of your registered plan accounts? We often forget to revisit these designations after opening our registered plan accounts. However, failing to update beneficiary designations can have costly implications for retirement and estate planning. As such, why not consider a quick review?
Here are some steps you can take to spring clean your registered plan beneficiary designations:

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1. Create a list of all of your financial accounts. Then identify which accounts permit beneficiary designations, such as Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs), Registered Retirement Income Funds (RRIFs) and Tax-Free Savings Accounts (TFSAs), as well as any accounts through your employer.
2. List the beneficiaries you have named for each account.
3. Determine if the named beneficiary is still current. It is possible that a named beneficiary is no longer alive, or perhaps a major life event, like divorce, has changed the status of an existing beneficiary. Be sure to revisit beneficiary designations following major life changes.
4. Consider whether a beneficiary should even be named. If no beneficiary is named, assets will form part of your estate. While naming a beneficiary will result in bypassing probate fees,¹which may be an objective, keep in mind that it may inadvertently result in other issues. For example, if an adult non-dependent child was named as the RRIF beneficiary, the value of the RRIF will be paid directly to them, while the taxes triggered on death must generally be paid by the deceased’s estate. This may cause unintended estate equalization issues.
5. If a spouse (common-law partner) has been named, determine if there are additional considerations. If a spouse is named as the beneficiary for a TFSA or RRIF, you have the option to name them as “successor holder” or “successor annuitant,” respectively. Generally, the successor designation permits the continued operation of the account by the successor holder/ annuitant from the time of death. For the TFSA, any income earned after your death would not be taxed. For the RRIF, there would be no tax consequences to your estate.
Plan Ahead
We are here to discuss and assist with any changes to your beneficiary designations on your registered plan accounts. As you review beneficiary designations, we recommend considering the support of estate planning and legal advisors to help ensure your estate planning objectives will be met.
1. Estate administration taxes; Note: This article does not apply to Quebec residents, as the rules surrounding beneficiary designations noted in this article are not applicable under Quebec law.
Spring: A Time for Fresh Perspectives?
Our advisory practice is built on the satisfaction of clients like you. Thank you to those who have introduced us to family, friends and business colleagues who can benefit from our experience, support and advice.
We continue to welcome new clients and are grateful for any such referrals. In these ever-changing markets, whether it is a fresh opinion on an existing portfolio or advice relating to a new situation, we are here to help.

The information contained herein has been provided for information purposes only. Graphs, charts and other numbers are used for illustrative purposes only and do not reflect future values or future performance of any investment. The information has been provided by J. Hirasawa & Associates and is drawn from sources believed to be reliable. The information does not provide financial, legal, tax or investment advice. Particular investment, tax, or trading strategies should be evaluated relative to each individual’s objectives and risk tolerance. This does not constitute a recommendation or solicitation to buy or sell securities of any kind. Market conditions may change which may impact the information contained in this document. Wellington-Altus Private Wealth Inc. (WAPW) and the authors do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information contained herein, nor does WAPW, nor the authors, assume any liability for any loss that may result from the reliance by any person upon any such information or opinions. Before acting on any of the above, please contact me for individual financial advice based on your personal circumstances. All insurance products and services are offered by life licensed advisors of Wellington-Altus Insurance Inc. or other insurance companies separate from WAPW. WAPW is a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund and the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada. © 2022, Wellington-Altus Private Wealth Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NO USE OR REPRODUCTION WITHOUT PERMISSION.

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The information contained herein has been provided for information purposes only. Graphs, charts and other numbers are used for illustrative purposes only and do not reflect future values or future performance of any investment. The information has been provided by J. Hirasawa & Associates and is drawn from sources believed to be reliable.
The information does not provide financial, legal, tax or investment advice. Particular investment, tax, or trading strategies should be evaluated relative to each individual’s objectives and risk tolerance. This does not constitute a recommendation or solicitation to buy or sell securities of any kind. Market conditions may change which may impact the information contained in this document. Wellington-Altus Private Wealth Inc. (WAPW) and the authors do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information contained herein, nor does WAPW, nor the authors, assume any liability for any loss that may result from the reliance by any person upon any such information or opinions. Before acting on any of the above, please contact me for individual financial advice based on your personal circumstances. WAPW is a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund and the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada.
©️ 2023, Wellington-Altus Private Wealth Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NO USE OR REPRODUCTION WITHOUT PERMISSION

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The opinions contained herein are the opinions of the author and readers should not assume they reflect the opinions or recommendations of Wellington-Altus Private Wealth. Assumptions, opinions and information constitute the author’s judgement as of the date this material and subject to change without notice. We do not warrant the completeness or accuracy of this material, and it should not be relied upon as such. Before acting on any recommendation, you should consider whether it is suitable for your particular circumstances and, if necessary, seek professional advice. Graphs and charts are used for illustrative purposes only and do not reflect future values or future performance of any investment. The information does not provide financial, legal, tax or investment advice. Particular investment, tax, or trading strategies should be evaluated relative to each individual’s objectives and risk tolerance. All third party products and services referred to or advertised in this presentation are sold by the company or organization named. While these products or services may serve as valuable aids to the independent investor, WAPW does not specifically endorse any of these products or services. The third party products and services referred to, or advertised in this presentation, are available as a convenience to its customers only, and WAPW is not liable for any claims, losses or damages however arising out of any purchase or use of third party products or services. All insurance products and services are offered by life licensed advisors of Wellington-Altus.