A spousal RRSP is an RRSP owned by your spouse or common-law partner that you contribute to. You claim the tax deduction, using your RRSP room, and your partner owns the money and pays the tax when it comes out, ideally at a lower rate in retirement. It is a simple way for couples with unequal incomes to split income.
How a spousal RRSP works
- The contributor (usually the higher earner) puts money in and deducts it on their own return.
- The annuitant (the lower earner) owns the account and the investments.
- Contributions use the contributor’s RRSP room, not the spouse’s. See the 2027 RRSP limit.
- The spouse’s own RRSP room is not affected.
The 3-year attribution rule
If your spouse withdraws money in the year you contribute or in the next two calendar years, the withdrawal is taxed in your hands, not theirs. To avoid it, wait until three full calendar years have passed since your last contribution to any spousal RRSP for them.
| Last contribution | Withdrawals taxed to spouse from |
|---|---|
| Any time in 2026 | January 1, 2029 |
| Any time in 2027 | January 1, 2030 |
Who should use one
- Couples with very different incomes who expect that gap to continue in retirement.
- Early retirees. Pension income splitting only starts at 65, so a spousal RRSP helps split income before then.
- Contributors over 71. If you still have room and earned income, you can keep contributing to a spousal RRSP until the end of the year your spouse turns 71.
- A spouse taking time off work, such as parental leave, can withdraw at a low rate once the 3-year rule is met.
Spousal RRSP and the Home Buyers’ Plan
Your spouse can use their spousal RRSP for the Home Buyers’ Plan, and HBP withdrawals are not caught by the 3-year rule. Buying your first home? Compare the FHSA and RRSP and see TFSA vs FHSA.
See your refund
The deduction works exactly like a regular RRSP contribution. Estimate it with the RRSP tax refund calculator.
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Frequently asked questions
Does a spousal RRSP reduce my spouse’s RRSP room?
No. It uses only the contributor’s room.
Can common-law partners use a spousal RRSP?
Yes. The rules are the same for married and common-law couples.
What happens if we separate?
The account belongs to the spouse who owns it. The 3-year attribution rule generally does not apply once you are living apart because of a breakdown of the relationship.
This article is general information, not financial or tax advice.
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