RRSP Deadline 2021: Last Chance to Reduce Your 2020 Tax Bill

If you’re looking to reduce your 2020 taxes by investing in the RRSP, make sure you contribute your money no later than the RRSP deadline.

| More on:

The Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) is an incredibly important tool. Almost every Canadian will need to utilize the RRSP at some point in your life. So, it’s no surprise that many investors will want to know when the RRSP contribution deadline is.

The RRSP has several important advantages for Canadians. It’s important to understand all the rules and regulations involving the RRSP. This way, you can take full advantage of all the benefits available to you.

One of the biggest advantages it offers Canadians is the ability to invest your RRSP contributions into high-quality stocks. This will allow Canadians to start earning income on their savings. And over time, with compounding interest, that income will grow to be quite significant.

Another considerable benefit that Canadians use the RRSP for is deferring taxes until later in retirement. This is beneficial for a lot of Canadians. Deferring taxes means you reduce the taxes you pay this year, which is why it’s so beneficial for many Canadians.

RRSP contribution deadline: How to reduce your 2020 taxes

If you want to reduce your tax bill for 2020, there is still time to contribute money. The RRSP deadline to reduce your 2020 tax bill is March 1, 2021.

That means that as long as you contribute your money before that day, you’ll receive the tax credits to reduce your 2020 income.

But be careful. I wouldn’t contribute money unless you’re aware of all the rules and regulations. Unlike the Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA), investors can’t withdraw money without penalties. Plus, even though you’re reducing taxes today, you’ll still owe tax when you withdraw the money down the road.

So, it’s crucial to take all these considerations into account before contributing your money ahead of the RRSP deadline.

A top TSX stock for your RRSP

If you do decide to use the RRSP, you’ll want to invest that money right away. Saving money is important, but if you’re just going to leave it in cash, you will lose significant value to inflation annually.

That’s why I would consider investing the money as soon as you’ve deposited your money ahead of the RRSP contribution deadline.

Since the RRSP is an account designed to grow your retirement capital, you’ll want to invest in robust stocks that pay attractive discounts. That’s why one of the best stocks to consider is Emera (TSX:EMA).

Emera is one of the top utility stocks in Canada. Utilities are well known to be low-risk stocks that are perfect for dividend investors. Emera takes it a step further, though, with assets in multiple jurisdictions helping to reduce risk tremendously.

The company is perfect for long-term investors as it will protect your capital in the short run. At the same time, though, it can offer consistent long-term growth and a continuously increasing dividend.

That dividend yields roughly 4.8% today and has been increased by over 34% in just the last five years. So, if you’re looking for a high-quality stock to buy after you contribute to the RRSP ahead of the deadline, Emera is a top consideration.

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 Daniel Da Costa has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends EMERA INCORPORATED.

More on Dividend Stocks

money goes up and down in balance
Dividend Stocks

This 6% Dividend Stock Is My Top Pick for Immediate Income

This Canadian stock has resilient business model, solid dividend payment and growth history, and a well-protected yield of over 6%.

Read more »

ways to boost income
Dividend Stocks

1 Excellent TSX Dividend Stock, Down 25%, to Buy and Hold for the Long Term

Down 25% from all-time highs, Tourmaline Oil is a TSX dividend stock that offers you a tasty yield of 5%…

Read more »

Start line on the highway
Dividend Stocks

1 Incredibly Cheap Canadian Dividend-Growth Stock to Buy Now and Hold for Decades

CN Rail (TSX:CNR) stock is incredibly cheap, but should investors join insiders by buying the dip?

Read more »

bulb idea thinking
Dividend Stocks

Down 13%, This Magnificent Dividend Stock Is a Screaming Buy

Sometimes, a moderately discounted, safe dividend stock is better than heavily discounted stock, offering an unsustainably high yield.

Read more »

Canadian Dollars bills
Dividend Stocks

Invest $15,000 in This Dividend Stock, Create $5,710.08 in Passive Income

This dividend stock is the perfect option if you're an investor looking for growth, as well as passive income through…

Read more »

A Canada Pension Plan Statement of Contributions with a 100 dollar banknote and dollar coins.
Dividend Stocks

3 Compelling Reasons to Delay Taking CPP Benefits Until Age 70

You don't need to take CPP early if you are receiving large dividend payments from Fortis Inc (TSX:FTS) stock.

Read more »

A worker overlooks an oil refinery plant.
Dividend Stocks

Better Dividend Stock: TC Energy vs. Enbridge

TC Energy and Enbridge have enjoyed big rallies in 2024. Is one stock still cheap?

Read more »

Concept of multiple streams of income
Dividend Stocks

Got $10,000? Buy This Dividend Stock for $4,992.40 in Total Passive Income

Want almost $5,000 in annual passive income? Then you need a company bound for even more growth, with a dividend…

Read more »