RRSP Contribution Limit Calculator 2026
Estimate your RRSP contribution room — 18% of your prior-year earned income up to the annual cap, plus any unused room you’ve carried forward — and see the contribution deadline.
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How RRSP contribution room works
Each year you earn new RRSP room equal to 18% of your previous year’s earned income, up to a dollar cap the government sets annually ($33,810 for 2026). Unused room carries forward indefinitely, so your actual limit can be much higher than one year’s amount. If you have a workplace pension, a pension adjustment reduces your room.
The contribution deadline
You get the first 60 days of the following year to make contributions that count for the prior tax year. That’s why RRSP season peaks in late February. The authoritative figure for your own room is on your CRA Notice of Assessment — this tool gives an estimate.
Frequently asked questions
What is the RRSP contribution deadline for 2025 and 2026?
Contributions for the 2025 tax year had to be made by March 2, 2026 — the “first 60 days” rule means you have 60 days after year-end. For the 2026 tax year, the deadline is March 1, 2027. Contributions made in the first 60 days of a year can be applied to either the previous tax year or the current one. See CRA: Contributing to an RRSP.
What is the RRSP contribution limit for 2026?
For 2026, your RRSP contribution room is the lesser of 18% of your 2025 earned income or the annual dollar cap of $33,810 — whichever is lower. To contribute the full $33,810 you'd need about $187,833 of 2025 earned income. On top of that, you can add any unused room carried forward from previous years.
How is my personal RRSP room calculated?
Your room equals 18% of your prior-year earned income (capped at the annual dollar limit), plus any unused contribution room carried forward from past years, minus a pension adjustment if you belong to a workplace pension plan. The CRA tracks this and reports your exact deduction limit on your Notice of Assessment and in CRA My Account.
Does unused RRSP room carry forward?
Yes. Any RRSP room you don't use carries forward indefinitely and is added to your limit in future years. This lets you 'save up' room for a year when your income — and marginal tax rate — is higher, so the deduction is worth more.
What happens if I over-contribute to my RRSP?
There's a $2,000 lifetime over-contribution buffer that isn't penalized (but isn't deductible either). Beyond that buffer, excess contributions are taxed at 1% per month until withdrawn. Unlike a TFSA, the RRSP buffer is a one-time lifetime cushion, not an annual one.
Do spousal RRSP contributions use my room or my spouse's?
Yours. When you contribute to a spousal RRSP (in your partner's name), it uses your contribution room, not theirs — but your spouse owns the funds. It's a tool for income-splitting in retirement, since withdrawals are generally taxed in the lower-income spouse's hands (subject to the 3-year attribution rule).
Should I contribute to an RRSP or a TFSA?
Broadly: an RRSP gives a tax deduction now and is taxed on withdrawal, so it favours people whose tax rate is higher now than it will be in retirement. A TFSA gives no deduction but is tax-free on withdrawal and doesn't affect income-tested benefits like OAS or GIS. Many people use both. Lower-income earners often favour the TFSA; higher earners often favour the RRSP deduction.