How to Use a TFSA to Earn $500 a Month Completely Tax-Free

Monthly dividend payors Tourmaline and Vital Infrastructure are solid options to consider for your tax-free TFSA income.

Key Points
  • • The article recommends two TFSA stocks to generate $500 monthly tax-free income: Tourmaline Oil Corp. (TSX:TOU) yielding 3.09% and Vital Infrastructure Property Trust (TSX:VITL.UN) yielding 6.67%.
  • • Tourmaline, Canada's largest natural gas producer, commits to paying 100% of excess free cash flow as dividends and expects 2026 free cash flow of approximately $900 million (140% higher than prior year) due to rising LNG demand and improved pricing.
  • • An investment of approximately $100,000 split between these two stocks in a TFSA would generate just over $500 monthly in tax-free income, with potential upside from Tourmaline's special dividends as natural gas prices are expected to rise.

The tax-free savings account (TFSA) is a great help for investors trying to maximize investment returns. We are all in the same boat, looking for the highest returns while taking the lowest risk possible.

One of the least risky ways to maximize returns is through your tax free savings account (TFSA) contributions. Let’s discuss the best TFSA stocks to help you earn $500 a month in tax-free income.

Blocks conceptualizing Canada's Tax Free Savings Account

Source: Getty Images

Tourmaline Oil Corp.

As Canada’s largest natural gas producer, Tourmaline Oil Corp. (TSX: TOU) has paved the way towards maximizing shareholder returns. This has come in the form of dividends and share price appreciation.

Tourmaline stock made a commitment a few years ago to pay out 100% of its excess free cash flow in dividends. This meant that there were many special dividends that were paid as well as an increasing regular dividend.

In Tourmaline’s latest quarter, the company posted record production, and strong earnings and cash flow results. Despite weak Canadian natural gas prices, Tourmaline stock reported cash flow of $862 million and free cash flow of $202 million. Tourmaline’s free cash flow was 35% higher than in the same period last year despite lower natural gas prices. This was due to cost reductions, hedging, and strong liquids and LNG pricing.

Due to strong global liquids prices and improved access to Pacific propane exports, 2026 natural gas price realizations will increase by more than 30%. As a result, Tourmaline’s 2026 and 2027 cash flow and free cash flow outlooks have significantly improved. Therefore, the company’s 2026 free cash flow estimate is currently approximately $900 million, 140% higher than the prior year.

Canadian natural gas prices are expected to rise in the coming years as LNG Canada continues to ramp up, and demand from utilities and data centres continue to rise as well.

Tourmaline stock is currently yielding 3.1%.

Vital Infrastructure

Vital Infrastructure Property Trust (TSX: VITL.UN) is a global healthcare properties owner and manager. The company’s portfolio of properties includes medical offices, rehabilitation centres, and diagnostic facilities.

The true value of Vital’s portfolio of properties lies in the stability, resiliency, and predictability of their cash flows. These properties have long, sticky leases that are inflation-indexed. And they are in the healthcare sector, so that means that they can thrive regardless of the underlying economic backdrop. They are also benefiting from a really strong secular trend – the aging population. All of this makes Vital an ideal choice for investors’ dividend income needs.

The stock is yielding 6.7%.

The bottom line

Investors attempting to maximize investment returns can start with maximizing their TFSA contributions. This guarantees them tax-free investment income. Re-investing the tax savings can set investors up for compounding returns.

As you can see from the table below, investing approximately $100,000 of your TFSA contribution into these two stocks will earn you just over $500 per month. But that’s not all. Tourmaline is likely to increase its dividend and pay special dividends if natural gas prices rise as expected. This means that there’s strong upside to this $500 number.

TFSA, Tourmaline, Vital

Fool contributor Karen Thomas has positions in Tourmaline Oil and Vital Infrastructure Property Trust. The Motley Fool recommends Tourmaline Oil and Vital Infrastructure Property Trust. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

More on Dividend Stocks

man in bowtie poses with abacus
Dividend Stocks

Why Retirement Calculators Give Different Answers (and Which 1 I Like Best)

Two retirement calculators can land hundreds of thousands of dollars apart. Learn why, how to stress test your plan, and…

Read more »

rain rolls off a protective umbrella in a rainstorm
Dividend Stocks

Storm Season Just Cost This Insurer $190 Million: Is the Dividend Safe?

Definity’s storm estimate could dent earnings, but dividend safety depends on the payout cushion and capital remaining after the losses.

Read more »

person with spyglass looks at ocean horizon
Dividend Stocks

Dividend Investors: Don’t Overlook Peyto! Its Yield Is a Thing of Beauty

Peyto Exploration & Development (TSX:PEY) is an underrated energy stock with a colossal yield and a dirt-cheap multiple.

Read more »

Piggy bank wrapped in Christmas string lights
Dividend Stocks

The $7,000 TFSA Move Most Canadians Leave Until December

An earlier TFSA contribution can simplify your plan, even when the immediate tax saving is smaller than you expect.

Read more »

diversification is an important part of building a stable portfolio
Dividend Stocks

Diversification 101: How Beginners Can Protect Against Market Shocks

Stocks like TD Bank and Fortis provide an anchor to a well-diversified portfolio for resilient long-term performance.

Read more »

man makes the timeout gesture with his hands
Dividend Stocks

Why Dividend Cuts Happen and How to Spot the Warning Signs

Learn why dividend cuts happen and how to spot warning signs, using BCE and TELUS to examine cash flow, debt,…

Read more »

woman stares at chocolate layer cake
Dividend Stocks

Just Turned 50 With Little Saved? Here’s Where to Start

This investing strategy can reduce risk while still delivering decent yield.

Read more »

Trans Alaska Pipeline with Autumn Colors
Dividend Stocks

1 Top Canadian Dividend Stock Down 17% to Consider Now for Lifelong Income

This company has increased the dividend annually for more than three decades.

Read more »