11/27/2024
Maximize Your RESP Before Year-End! 🚀
Not only has the cost of college and university risen sharply, but so has the importance of graduating with a marketable skill and knowledge set, which increases the necessity of a post-secondary education. The cost of tuition, books, supplies, residence, and travel for a student in an undergraduate program at a Canadian public university is approximately $25,000 per year.
Although more in-depth analysis is usually required, the quick RESP facts are:
• The Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG) will match 20% of RESP contributions up to a maximum of $500 per year per beneficiary and to a lifetime maximum of $7200 per beneficiary
• There are no minimum or maximum annual RESP contribution, but each beneficiary has a $50,000 lifetime contribution limit
• Contributions grow and compound tax-free, like an RRSP, until they are withdrawn
• The original contributions are treated as return-of-capital and are not taxed since these contributions did not reduce taxable income
• Only the grants and earnings withdrawn as Education Assistance Payments (EAP), are taxed
• EAPs are taxed in the hands of the beneficiary (i.e., the student), and typically at a much lower tax rate or no tax, if the beneficiary’s income is low enough
• Returned capital and EAPs can be used for education-related expenses, including housing and transportation, when enrolled at any eligible domestic or foreign post-secondary institution or training program
• A child can be the “beneficiary” on more than one RESP
• RESPs are typically opened for children by parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles
Passing wealth between generations to minimize student debt by opening and funding a RESP on behalf of your grandchildren is an excellent option.
The opportunity to set aside a useful inheritance directly to your grandchildren for the expressed purpose of education is extremely appealing for many.
The end of the year is quickly approaching, and it’s the perfect time to review your Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP)!