TFSA Passive Income: Earn $500/Month

TFSA users can earn $500 tax-free passive income every month over time by holding stocks with rock-steady dividend payments.

Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) contribution limits are the same for everyone, and the tax advantages apply to all users. However, investment income differs depending on utilization and the rate of return of assets held inside the account.

Aiming for $500 in passive income every month isn’t unrealistic, but it would take time to get there. If you’re purchasing a dividend stock, the investment amount must be $150,000, and the yield is 4.0%. Unfortunately, because of fixed contribution limits, you can’t make an upfront investment of $150,000 in a TFSA.

Maximum cumulative limit

Assuming you’re eligible to open a TFSA but have not done so, the maximum cumulative limit in 2023 is $88,000. At that amount and a 4% yield, the monthly income is $293.33 — still short of $500. However, a higher rate of return, or 6.81%, will produce monthly earnings of $500.13.

High-yield healthcare stock

Many TSX stocks, including Extendicare (TSX: EXE), pay higher-than-average dividends. At $7.14 per share, the yield is 6.82%. Given the stock price and yield, following the assumptions above, you should accumulate around 12,325 shares to produce $500.13 monthly.

If the investment vehicle is the TFSA, where overcontribution is not allowed, it will take around 13.5 years (consistent $6,500 contribution yearly) to accomplish the objective.

Extendicare is a reliable passive-income provider, as evidenced by its dividend track record. The $602.27 million company provides long-term-care (LTC) and home-healthcare services to seniors in Canada. It hasn’t missed paying monthly dividends since 2013. Performance-wise, the healthcare stock outperforms the broader market year to date at +12.83% versus +2.2%.

All aspects of Extendicare’s operations, including funding of LTC homes, are controlled by provincial legislation and regulations. According to Deloitte, many baby boomers in Canada turned 75 in 2021, and the aging population is pushing demand for LTC and home care. Extendicare is well positioned to meet the needs of seniors and prevent an elderly crisis.

Shorter time frame

A cheaper but lucrative investment option is Diversified Royalty (TSX: DIV). At only $2.83 per share (-1.23% year to date), the dividend yield is a mouth-watering 8.51%.

For this high-yield stock, the investment amount ($70,505) and time frame (10.85%) to hit $500 tax-free passive income is lower and shorter. It follows the same assumption that you will contribute $6,500 to your TFSA every year.

The $404.35 million multi-royalty corporation owns the trademarks of Mr. Lube, Mr. Mikes, Nurse Next Door, Oxford Learning Centres, Sutton, and Stratus Building Solutions. It collects royalties from the six royalty partners. The rock-steady monthly dividend payouts since November 2014 should lend confidence to invest in the stock.

In the first quarter of 2023, adjusted revenue and royalty income rose 23.9% and 27.1% year over year to $13.62 million and $12.21 million. Its president and chief executive officer Sean Morrison said the adjusted revenue and distributable cash were Diversified’s best in a first quarter.

Salient feature

Canadian residents aged 18 or older should have a TFSA and take full advantage of the benefits, particularly the 100% tax-free money growth. Because of this salient feature, you can build wealth or generate the desired passive-income stream over time.

Since TFSA contribution amounts are indexed to inflation, the limit could increase due to higher adjustments. The limit rose to $6,500 in 2023 because of high inflation.

Fool contributor Christopher Liew has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

More on Dividend Stocks

Blocks conceptualizing Canada's Tax Free Savings Account
Dividend Stocks

TFSA Strategy: How to Earn $500 a Month in Tax-Free Dividend Income

Canadians can earn $500 in tax-free dividend income or another desired amount every month using a simple TFSA strategy.

Read more »

doctor uses telehealth
Dividend Stocks

TFSA Investors: This Monthly Dividend Stock Yields 7.6%

This REIT offers investors a monthly yield investors and a regular and frequent passive income stream to supplement their regular…

Read more »

shopper chooses vegetables at grocery store
Dividend Stocks

Loblaw vs. Empire: Which Grocery Stock Would I Choose for Long-Term Growth?

Both grocers benefit from repeat shoppers. I’d give Loblaw the edge for the ways it can earn more from those…

Read more »

ETF is short for exchange traded fund, a popular investment choice for Canadians
Dividend Stocks

2 Top TSX ETFs to Buy and Hold in a TFSA Forever

Looking for top TSX ETFs for your TFSA? Explore how VFV and VDY combine U.S. stock exposure and Canadian dividends…

Read more »

Retirees sip their morning coffee outside.
Dividend Stocks

2 Canadian Stocks to Buy and Hold for 20 More Years

CP Rail (TSX:CP) and another outstanding Canadian stock that's more than worth holding for many decades.

Read more »

woman relaxes with phone
Dividend Stocks

Is TELUS Stock a Buy for Its 6% Dividend Yield?

TELUS's attractive 6% dividend yield and ongoing business transformation could offer patient investors an opportunity to benefit from income and…

Read more »

middle-aged couple work together on laptop
Dividend Stocks

Dividend Income Outside a TFSA? The OAS Math I’d Check Before Buying More

A $1,000 dividend can add $1,380 to the income used to calculate your Old Age Security recovery tax.

Read more »

Colored pins on calendar showing a month
Dividend Stocks

Monthly Dividend Stocks: 3 TSX Picks That Pay Every 30 Days

These monthly dividend stocks stand out for their strong distribution history and ability to sustain payouts in the years ahead.

Read more »