Changes to Marginal Tax Rates and What That Means
On July 1, 2025 the federal first marginal personal income tax rate dropped from 15% to 14%, a change confirmed by legislation in Budget 2025 and the Making Life More Affordable for Canadians Act. This rate applies to early tax brackets and non-refundable tax credits.(canada.ca) After July 1, 2025, all non-refundable credit calculations in 2026, including amounts for RRSP deductions and TFSA income or withdrawal credits, will be using this lowered rate.(canada.ca)
Tax Planning Strategies with RRSPs and TFSAs
- Back-loading RRSP deductions to align with rate cuts: If you have deductions or expenses that might fluctuate, use RRSP contributions to shift taxable income out of higher brackets and into the 14% bracket, saving more per dollar deferred.
- Maximize TFSA growth: Investment income inside a TFSA isn’t taxed, but understanding that lower tax rates elsewhere reduce the opportunity cost of contributing early is essential—lower rates make delaying RRSPs less necessary if you anticipate being in a higher bracket later.
- Timing matters: Because non-refundable credits now yield slightly less relief per credit dollar, ensuring you use every eligible credit (education, medical expenses, etc.) in the year they occur maximizes benefit.
Practical Examples
- Mid-income earner: Someone with $60,000 taxable income now benefits more from RRSP contributions since their marginal rate has dropped. A $5,000 RRSP contribution might yield savings in the 20%+ bracket—but dragging income into the 14% first bracket remains attractive for smaller deductions.
- Retiree or low income: For someone in a low tax bracket already, contributing to a TFSA or using refundable credits may yield better value than RRSP deductions, particularly for modest deductions, because the 14% rate limits claim value on non-refundable credits.
Actionable Tips
- Check your projected income for 2026 to see where your marginal rate lies, and plan RRSP contributions accordingly.
- If you expect income to rise (e.g., due to promotion or bonus), front-load RRSP contributions now.
- Use any unused TFSA room early to shelter investments in high-growth assets.
- Track non-refundable credits—ensure you claim every eligible credit since each credit dollar is worth 14 cents now.
Caveats to Watch
- These rate reductions only apply to federal rate and federal non-refundable credits. Your provincial rate may differ significantly.
- RRSP withdrawals in retirement will be taxed at your future marginal rate, potentially higher.
- TFSA withdrawals reduce future contribution space only in certain circumstance (depending on timing), so plan around your withdrawal/recontribution schedule carefully.
Leveraging RRSPs vs TFSAs under the changed tax rate landscape can yield meaningful savings—especially when timed right.