What is an RESP?
The Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) is a government-supported investment account designed to help Canadian families save for their children’s post-secondary education. It offers significant financial benefits, including government grants and tax-deferred growth.
Contribution Limits and Rules
There is no annual contribution limit for an RESP; however, the lifetime maximum contribution per beneficiary is CAD 50,000. Contributions are not tax-deductible, but the investment grows tax-free until withdrawn for educational purposes.
Government Grants and Incentives
- Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG): The government matches 20% of annual contributions up to CAD 500 per year, with a lifetime maximum of CAD 7,200 per beneficiary.
- Additional CESG: Low- and middle-income families may qualify for extra grant contributions.
- Canada Learning Bond (CLB): Eligible low-income families can receive up to CAD 2,000 without needing to contribute.
Withdrawal Rules
When the beneficiary enrolls in a qualifying post-secondary institution, they can withdraw funds from the RESP. There are two main types of withdrawals:
- Educational Assistance Payments (EAPs): These include grants and investment earnings and are taxed in the student’s name (typically at a lower tax rate).
- Refund of Contributions (ROC): Contributions can be withdrawn tax-free by the contributor.
What Happens If the Child Doesn't Go to School?
If the beneficiary does not pursue post-secondary education, contributors can withdraw their contributions tax-free. However, government grants must be returned. Investment earnings can be transferred to an RRSP under specific conditions.