WARNING: 1 Major TFSA Mistake to Avoid in 2020

TFSA investors need to avoid overcontributions and target attractive value stocks like Manulife Financial Corp. (TSX:MFC)(NYSE:MFC) in July.

| More on:
IMAGE OF A NOTEBOOK WITH TFSA WRITTEN ON IT

Image source: Getty Images

The Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) launched in Canada in January 2009. Since then, many Canadians have flocked to this registered account as their primary investment route. This should come as no surprise. The TFSA is attractive because of its flexibility.

There is also considerable flexibility when it comes to investment styles in the TFSA. A growth-oriented approach can net fantastic tax-free capital gains, while those seeking income can gobble up dividends without have to pay anything to the Canada Revenue Agency.

Today, I want to discuss an error that some TFSA investors can make in their use of this account.

Here is one major TFSA mistake to avoid

Back in late 2019, I’d discussed why investors need to avoid over-contributing to their TFSA. As it stands today, the cumulative contribution room in a TFSA is $69,500 — assuming the investor was eligible to contribute when the TFSA was launched in January 2009.

An overcontribution in a TFSA is subject to a 1% tax penalty per month. While this may not seem like a lot, it can really add up. This is especially true as the cumulative base value in a TFSA has increased.

How to sidestep this error

Fortunately, the way to avoid this error is in many ways connected to making it in the first place. Investors should establish ways to keep up with their contribution room. For example, those with a Canada Revenue Agency online profile can always check up on their TFSA status.

Many Canadians have accounts at multiple banks, which could make it difficult to keep track of contribution room. Instead, TFSA investors should look to consolidate their holdings at one financial institution. This is a good way to avoid mistakes like over-contribution going forward.

Two stocks to stash in your TFSA instead

While we work to avoid over-contributions, I’d also like to look at two stocks that would fit perfectly in a TFSA right now.

Manulife Financial (TSX:MFC)(NYSE:MFC) is a Toronto-based insurance and financial services company. Its stock has dropped 27% in 2020 as of close on June 30. This insurer has achieved impressive growth on the back of its burgeoning operations in Asia. While the COVID-19 pandemic has taken its toll on the business, it should return to form as the economy reopens.

Shares of Manulife last had a very favourable price-to-earnings ratio of 7.9 and a price-to-book value of 0.7. Moreover, it offers a quarterly dividend of $0.28 per share, which represents a strong 6% yield. TFSA investors should target Manulife right now.

Alcohol consumption has increased in North America during the COVID-19 crisis. Corby Spirit and Wine manufactures, markets, and sells spirits and wines. Its shares have climbed 8.4% in 2020 so far.

In its third quarter fiscal 2020 results, Corby achieved net earnings growth of 15%. The stock last had a P/E ratio of 16. This puts it in solid value territory.

Better yet, Corby last announced a quarterly dividend of $0.20 per share, which represents a solid 4.9% yield.

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the “official” recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium service or advisor. We’re Motley! Questioning an investing thesis — even one of our own — helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer, so we sometimes publish articles that may not be in line with recommendations, rankings or other content.

Fool contributor Ambrose O'Callaghan has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends CORBY SPIRIT AND WINE LTD CLASS A.

More on Dividend Stocks

Businessman holding tablet and showing a growing virtual hologram of statistics, graph and chart with arrow up on dark background. Stock market. Business growth, planning and strategy concept
Dividend Stocks

TFSA Magic: Earn Enormous Passive Income That the CRA Can’t Touch

If you're seeking out passive income, with zero taxes involved, then get on board with a TFSA and this portfolio…

Read more »

Man with no money. Businessman holding empty wallet
Dividend Stocks

2 Stocks Under $50 New Investors Can Confidently Buy

There are some great stocks under $50 that every investor needs to know about. Here’s a look at two great…

Read more »

think thought consider
Dividend Stocks

Down 10.88%: Is ATD Stock a Good Buy After Earnings?

Alimentation Couche-Tard (TSX:ATD) stock might not be the easy buy-case it once was. Here’s a look at what happened.

Read more »

money cash dividends
Dividend Stocks

TFSA Dividend Stocks: Earn $1,200/Year Tax-Free

Canadian stocks like Fortis are a must-have in your portfolio to earn tax-free yields for decades.

Read more »

sale discount best price
Dividend Stocks

1 Dividend Stock Down 11 Percent to Buy Right Now

Do you want a great dividend stock down 11% that can provide years of growth potential? Here's one heavily discounted…

Read more »

Growth from coins
Dividend Stocks

1 Grade A Dividend Stock Down 11% to Buy and Hold Forever 

If you're looking for the right dividend stock at the right price, you're going to want to consider this insurance…

Read more »

Target. Stand out from the crowd
Dividend Stocks

2 Dividend Stocks to Double Up on Right Now

Are you looking for dividend stocks to buy right now? Here are two top picks!

Read more »

edit Taxes CRA
Dividend Stocks

Tax Time: How to Keep More of Your Money

Nearly everyone hates paying taxes, although Canadians can lessen the financial pain with the right tax strategies.

Read more »