Should I convert my RRSP to a RRIF even if I'm just 67?

Should I convert my RRSP to a RRIF early?

By Tom Feigs on September 11, 2017
Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

RRIFs and RRSPs are the exact same but one might offer more tax savings

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Q: I’m 67 and my husband turned 71 in May. He has to turn his RRSP into a RRIF. Can I turn my RRSP into a RRIF also? The only income we have is Old Age Security and CPP and it just isn’t enough to pay bills and food. The person from our bank said that I was too young to turn the RRSP into a RRIF. Is she right? Any information would be great. —Mina A: Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF) is exactly the same as a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) with only two exceptions. Age 71 is the latest age that an RRSP can be converted to an RRIF. A RRIF has a mandatory minimum withdrawal requirement. This minimum is a % amount based on your age. (See this table.)

A RRIF withdrawal is considered pensionable income after the year you turn age 65.

I see that Mina wishes to solve a perceived income problem by converting to a RRIF. It simply isn’t necessary as Mina can withdraw funds from her RRSP as-is. Mina can decide what amount she needs for a regular income over the coming months/years and withdraw that amount. Both RRSP and RRIF accounts are equally 100% taxable upon withdrawal for income. There is a good reason for Mina to convert to a RRIF—lower tax. If she does not have pensionable income such as a lifetime company pension or annuity then the pension credit on up to $2,000 annually of pensionable income is not being used. Income from an RRSP is not pensionable—income from a RRIF is. Convert at least $2,000 of your RRSP to an RRIF and withdraw that amount annually whether you need the income or not as this withdrawal is tax-free. CPP/QPP, OAS and GIS are not eligible pension income for the purpose of lowering tax.

Reasons to Convert to a RRIF Early	Reasons to Delay Converting to a RRIF
You are age 65+ and do not have pension income	You have pension income
You want to convert some or all of your RRSP funds to a steady monthly annuity	You have other savings so can delay drawing from your RRSP
	You are satisfied with drawing funds from your RRSP for spending
	You are self-employed and drawing dividends from your corporation

Consult with a Certified Financial Professional to organize an effective income stream for your retirement lifestyle. Tom Feigs is a certified financial planner and retirement expert in Calgary. More stories like this:

Comments Cancel reply

Douglas Pollard says:

June 13, 2020 at 7:36 pm

My friend wishes to retire at 57, delay his pension, and live off his modest RRSP for a few years. Can he claim the $2000 pension tax allowance from income at this age? Can the RRSP be converted to RRIF at this age?

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Jasper.Carrie says:

August 18, 2020 at 12:25 am

The only way to achieve happiness is to cherish what you have and forget what you don’t have

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Ashok Kapadia says:

June 6, 2023 at 7:11 pm

I am 62 years old and have RRSP. I took early retirement and have no income at all. Can I transfer my RRSP to RRIF account at this age.

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