Please note that the following document, although believed to be correct at the time of issue, may not represent the current position of the Department.
Prenez note que ce document, bien qu'exact au moment émis, peut ne pas représenter la position actuelle du ministère.
Principal Issues: contributions to an RRSP
Position: provided references to CCRA publications
Reasons: Request was for publications that explained the RRSP contribution rules
Signed on August 17, 2001
XXXXXXXXXX
Dear XXXXXXXXXX:
The Honourable Martin Cauchon, Minister of National Revenue, has asked me to respond to your correspondence addressed to the Honourable Alfonso Gagliano, Minister of Public Works and Government Services, concerning information on contributions to registered retirement savings plans (RRSPs). Mr. Jean Marc Bard, Executive Assistant to Mr. Gagliano, sent a copy of your letter to Mr. Joachim Normand, Executive Assistant to Mr. Cauchon, on July 6, 2001.
I have noted your comments regarding the service you received from an official of the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency (CCRA). I can assure you that the CCRA strives to provide courteous and efficient service to its clients at all times. I regret that your experience was otherwise.
I have enclosed a copy of the CCRA's guide entitled RRSPs and Other Registered Plans for retirement, as well as Interpretation Bulletin IT-124R6, Contributions to Registered Retirement Savings Plans. Chapter 2 of the guide provides general information on contributions that can be made to an RRSP. The Interpretation Bulletin provides more technical information.
The rules for RRSPs do not specifically provide for joint RRSPs but permit the payment of retirement income in the form of an annuity for the lives of the RRSP annuitant and the spouse of the annuitant. The rules also allow individuals to contribute to a spouse's RRSP. These provisions are explained on page 10 of the guide.
Individuals may transfer a retiring allowance to RRSPs under which they are the annuitant but cannot contribute a retiring allowance to spousal RRSPs. Comments on the transfer of retiring allowances can be found in the chart located on page 22 of the guide.
If you require additional information, I invite you to contact Mr. Wayne Harding of the Income Tax Rulings Directorate, Policy and Legislation Branch, by calling 0-613-957-9769 collect, or by writing to Place de Ville, 16th Floor, Tower A, 320 Queen Street, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0L5.
I trust that the information I have provided is of assistance.
Yours sincerely,
Bill McCloskey Assistant Commissioner Policy and Legislation Branch
Attachments
Wayne Harding
957-9769
July 24, 2001
Finalized: 01/08/10 WP/ag.