A Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) is a government-approved plan that allows a subscriber (usually a parent or grandparent) to accumulate savings on a tax-deferred basis to assist with the expenses of post-secondary education for a named beneficiary (child or grandchild). Family Plans allow subscribers to name more than one beneficiary. A social insurance number (SIN) is required for each beneficiary, before being named as a beneficiary.
You can contribute to your RESP for up to 31 years, and the plan can remain open for a maximum of 35 years.
The subscriber
The subscriber is the registered owner of the plan and can be an individual, or an individual and his or her spouse. The subscriber makes contributions to an RESP and these contributions are not tax deductible. Also, a subscriber cannot deduct the interest paid on money borrowed to contribute to an RESP.
The named beneficiary
The named beneficiary is eligible to receive the Educational Assistance Payments from the plan. There is a limit of one beneficiary per plan, except under a Family Plan, which provides for multiple beneficiaries. The beneficiares of a Family Plan must be related to the subscriber(s).
An individual must have a SIN and be a resident of Canada to be designated as a beneficiary under an RESP.
The CESG program allows eligible RESP beneficiaries to receive grant monies based on the annual contributions paid into the plan. The government will contribute 20% annually on the first $2,500 deposited into an RESP for children to the end of the year in which a child attains age 17*. All children under the age of 18* who are resident in Canada automatically accumulate CESG contribution room.
Eligible beneficiaries receive up to 20% additional CESG on the first $500 RESP contributions. Eligibility for additional CESG is determined by the child's family's net income and entitlement to the National Child Benefit (NCB) supplement.
*Some restrictions apply for RESP beneficiaries age 16 and 17.
Educational Assistance Payments (including interest earned and CESG) may be drawn from the RESP to cover expenses associated with the pursuit of higher education in a qualified program - tuition fees, textbooks, room and board, etc. These payments are taxable to the beneficiary.
Most Canadian post-secondary institutions and programs, including correspondence courses, qualify for the purpose of receiving RESP Education Assistance Payments. Certain foreign post-secondary institutions also may qualify.
Your Options If a named beneficiary does not enroll in post-secondary education, you have several options for the plan. Note: An RESP can exist for a maximum of 25 years after the year it is opened, at which time #3 becomes the only available option.
If you choose #3 you will have to return the unused CESG monies to the government. The principal monies are considered a refund of the contributions and can be withdrawn without penalty. The following options are available for disbursement of income earned within the plan:
**Some restrictions and/or penalties apply.
If the time is approaching that you need to access RESP funds for education purposes, here are some important details for the redemption process to ensure a smooth transition.
Tandia works with our registered plan trustee, Concentral Financial for the administration of RESPs. They ensure we abide by the rules set out in the Income Tax Act for the release of funds.
For each and every RESP withdrawal, the beneficiary must provide Proof of Enrollment from the post-secondary institution. This document confirms that the beneficiary has officially enrolled at the school and it is usually provided immediately after payment of tuition fees.
Please note that this document is not the same as a "Notice of Acceptance" which is usually the first letter a student receives to advise that they have been accepted to a post-secondary program. Unfortunately it does not confirm that the student has enrolled. Please ensure you obtain an original copy of the Proof of Enrollment as this is the only accepted form mandated by the Income Tax Act and it will be required by Tandia to process the RESP withdrawal.
We are here to help make the transition to post-secondary education as smooth as possible.
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An education is one of the greatest gifts you can give a child. We are here to help you build your goals and ensure you have a strong and secure financial future. Visit a branch, book an appointment or call our Members Solution Centre at 1-800-598-2891. Let us help you grow your wealth.
Tandia is dedicated to supporting students as they pursue their educational goals. Tandia offers scholarships through many schools in the communities we serve.
Financial literacy for everyone
Tandia offers a variety of Financial Literacy workshops and seminars for educators, students and community members. Whether you are looking for information on a specific topic or general information and tools to assist you, we are here to help.
Education is one of the best ways to help change a persons life and open doors. Investing in each other always pays off and builds a strong healthy future. From our Strive for Success Program to our Financial Literacy programs, Tandia aims to make a positive educational impact.
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