RRIF Minimum Withdrawal Calculator 2025

RRIF Rule: You must withdraw at least the minimum amount from your RRIF each year. The minimum is a percentage of your RRIF value on January 1, increasing as you age — from 4% at 65 to nearly 20% at 95+.

RRIF Minimum Withdrawal Calculator

Full RRIF Minimum Withdrawal Rate Table 2025

AgeRate (%)Example: $300,000 RRIFExample: $500,000 RRIF
654.00%$12,000$20,000
674.35%$13,050$21,750
705.00%$15,000$25,000
715.28%$15,840$26,400
755.82%$17,460$29,100
806.82%$20,460$34,100
858.51%$25,530$42,550
9011.92%$35,760$59,600
95+20.00%$60,000$100,000

How RRIF Minimums Are Calculated

Each January 1, your financial institution calculates your minimum based on:

  1. Your RRIF balance as of January 1
  2. The prescribed rate for your age (or your spouse's age if you elected to use it)
  3. Formula: Balance × Rate% = Minimum withdrawal for the year

If your RRIF grows between withdrawals, next year's minimum will be higher because the balance is larger. If your RRIF declines, the minimum will be lower.

Strategies to Manage RRIF Minimums

1. Use Spouse's Age

If your spouse is younger, elect to base withdrawals on their age when setting up the RRIF. This lowers your mandatory withdrawal percentage and keeps more in the RRIF growing tax-sheltered.

2. Strategic Withdrawals Before 71

Drawing down your RRSP/RRIF in your 60s at lower tax rates reduces the balance at 71 — meaning lower mandatory minimums later. This "RRSP meltdown" strategy is especially effective if you're in a low tax bracket before CPP/OAS starts.

3. Invest Excess Withdrawals in TFSA

If you don't need all the income from your RRIF minimum, withdraw the minimum and contribute the after-tax proceeds to your TFSA. This keeps the money growing tax-free and avoids future OAS clawback.

4. In-Kind Withdrawals

You don't have to sell investments to make your RRIF withdrawal. You can transfer investments "in-kind" (at market value) to a non-registered account to meet your minimum, avoiding forced selling in a down market.

Tax tip: RRIF withdrawals qualify for the pension income tax credit (federal credit on first $2,000 of eligible pension income) starting at age 65. This saves roughly $300–$500/year in federal tax.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I don't take the RRIF minimum?

CRA will tax the shortfall as if you received it anyway, and apply a penalty. There's no option to skip a year — the minimum must be withdrawn annually.

Can I change how much I withdraw above the minimum?

Yes. You can withdraw any amount above the minimum at any time. Additional withdrawals are subject to withholding tax at source (10–30% depending on amount). All withdrawals are taxable income.

Is there a RRIF maximum withdrawal?

No. There's no maximum — you can withdraw your entire RRIF balance in one year if needed. However, the full amount would be added to your taxable income, likely resulting in a very high tax bill.