TFSA: Here’s How to Earn $10,000/Year in Passive Income

TFSA investors can generate a whopping $10,000 per year in passive income with high-yield stocks like True North REIT (TSX:TNT.UN) and others.

The Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) was launched by the Canadian federal government back in January 2009. This registered account quickly gained popularity among domestic investors. Indeed, it is now more popular than the much longer-standing Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP). The TFSA has typically garnered attention for the potential it holds for growth-oriented investors. While the story of the TFSA millionaire is always compelling, you should not discount the potential for this account to generate big tax-free passive income.

Today, I want to explore how you can look to earn a whopping five figures in annual passive income in your TFSA. However, we are going to have to utilize all $88,000 in TFSA room to do it. Let’s jump in!

Here’s the first stock I’d target for our passive income TFSA today

True North REIT (TSX:TNT.UN) is a real estate investment trust (REIT) that is primarily focused on investment in and ownership of quality commercial properties across Canada. Shares of True North REIT rose nearly 1% on Wednesday, August 23. However, this stock has seen its value more than halved in the year-over-year period. Investors who want to see more of its recent performance can play with the interactive price chart below.

In the second quarter (Q2) of fiscal 2023, True North REIT reported strong portfolio occupancy of 93%. However, it did report a dip in revenue and earnings, which spurred a reduction in its dividend payout.

This REIT closed at $2.52 per share on Wednesday, August 23. For our hypothetical, we can snatch up 12,580 shares of True North REIT for a purchase price of $31,701.60. The REIT currently offers a monthly distribution of $0.025 per share. That represents a monster 11% yield. This investment will allow us to generate tax-free passive income of $314.50 every month.

This undervalued REIT offers huge income for your TFSA right now

Northwest Healthcare REIT (TSX:NWH.UN) is a REIT that owns and operates a global portfolio of high-quality healthcare real estate. Its shares jumped 2.84% in yesterday’s trading session.

This REIT closed at $6.50 per share on Wednesday, August 23. Canadian investors can purchase 4,888 shares of Northwest Healthcare REIT for a total price of $31,772. Meanwhile, this REIT currently offers a monthly distribution of $0.067 per share, which represents a superb 12% yield. That means we can now churn out monthly passive income of $327.49 in our TFSA.

One more high-yield REIT to complete our passive-income portfolio

Travel demand has picked up nicely in the many months following the lifting of pandemic restrictions. That should pique investor interest in American Hotel Income Properties REIT (TSX:HOT.UN), a Vancouver-based REIT that invests in hotel real estate properties across the United States. Shares of this REIT have suffered a more moderate dip in the year-over-year period.

Shares of this REIT closed at $2.27 per share on August 23. For our final hypothetical purchase, we can snag 10,800 shares of American Hotel REIT for a price of $24,516. The REIT offers a monthly distribution of $0.025 per share, representing a fantastic 10% yield. We can now generate monthly passive income of $270 every month in our TFSA.

Bottom line

COMPANYRECENT PRICENUMBER OF SHARESDIVIDENDTOTAL PAYOUTFREQUENCY
TNT.UN$2.5212,580$0.025$314.50Monthly
NWH.UN$6.504,888$0.067$327.49Monthly
HOT.UN$2.2710,800$0.025$270Monthly

The investments in these high-yield Canadian REITs will allow us to generate monthly passive income of $911.99 in our TFSA. That works out to an annual passive-income payout of $10,943.88. Best of all, that payout would be entirely tax free!

Fool contributor Ambrose O'Callaghan has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends NorthWest Healthcare Properties Real Estate Investment Trust. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

More on Investing

woman checks off all the boxes
Investing

The TFSA Rules Around Global Investments That Many Canadians Don’t Know About

Planning to own non-Canadian stocks in your TFSA? Give this article a read first.

Read more »

three friends eat pizza
Dividend Stocks

The 6% Dividend Stock That Pays Every. Single. Month.

Boston Pizza Royalties offers a 6% monthly payout backed by record franchise sales and a simple royalty model.

Read more »

pregnant mother juggles work and childcare
Investing

Why Government Bonds Are Starting to Look Worth a Second Look

If you have a lower risk tolerance, an allocation to high-quality bonds could help you sleep better at night.

Read more »

how to save money
Dividend Stocks

Canadians: Here’s How Much You’ll Likely Need in Your TFSA to Retire

The Vanguard FTSE Canadian High Dividend Yield Index ETF (TSX:VDY) is a great passive income for retirees to stash in…

Read more »

dividend stocks are a good way to earn passive income
Dividend Stocks

How a TFSA Could Help You Earn $4,360 in Tax-Free Passive Income Each Year

This income-focused ETF from BMO remains low-cost and highly diversified.

Read more »

Colored pins on calendar showing a month
Dividend Stocks

How to Build a 2026 TFSA Strategy That Generates Monthly Cash

This TFSA strategy could help you earn $130 per month of passive income. The best part is that income will…

Read more »

hand stacks coins
Dividend Stocks

3 Canadian Dividend Stocks Whose Passive Income Continues to Grow Over Time

These dividend stocks are set to grow investors' passive income over time and are great buys on market dips.

Read more »

Blocks conceptualizing Canada's Tax Free Savings Account
Dividend Stocks

Here’s the 3-Stock TFSA Strategy I’d Use in 2026

A simple three‑stock TFSA strategy for 2026 using TD, Fortis, and Canadian Natural Resources to build long‑term growth and stability.

Read more »