Updated: April 2025  |  bremo.io financial guides

TFSA Investing Canada 2025 — Best Investments for Your TFSA

The Tax-Free Savings Account is Canada's most powerful investment vehicle for the majority of Canadians. All growth inside a TFSA — interest, dividends, capital gains — is completely tax-free. Understanding what to hold inside your TFSA (and what not to) is essential to maximizing its benefit.

TFSA 2025 Contribution Limits

The 2025 annual TFSA contribution limit is $7,000. For Canadians who have been eligible since 2009 and have never contributed, total accumulated room is up to $95,000. Check your exact room at CRA My Account — it accounts for any prior contributions and withdrawals.

What to Hold in Your TFSA

The TFSA shelter is most valuable for investments that generate the highest taxable returns. Priority order:

1. High-growth equity ETFs (VEQT, XEQT, VGRO, XGRO): Capital gains and dividends tax-free
2. Dividend stocks: Canadian dividends have a tax advantage even outside TFSA, but eliminating dividend tax entirely in a TFSA is better
3. HISA or GICs: Interest is otherwise fully taxable — sheltering it in a TFSA eliminates that entirely

What NOT to Hold in Your TFSA

• US dividend-paying stocks: The US withholds 15% on dividends paid to TFSAs (unlike RRSPs). Hold US dividend stocks in your RRSP instead to avoid this withholding tax.
• Cash sitting idle: Your TFSA room is valuable — don't waste it holding cash earning nothing

TFSA vs. RRSP for Investing

For most Canadians under age 50 earning under $100,000, the TFSA wins for investing because:

• Withdrawals are never taxed (RRSP withdrawals are income)
• No impact on income-tested benefits (OAS, GIS, clawbacks)
• More flexibility — can be used for any goal, not just retirement
• Room restored after withdrawal

TFSA Over-Contribution Penalty

Over-contributing to a TFSA triggers a 1% penalty per month on the excess amount. Always verify your available room at CRA My Account before contributing, especially if you've made withdrawals and re-contributions in the same calendar year.

TFSA Growth Example

$7,000/year in TFSA contributions (invested in VGRO at assumed 7% annual return) from age 25 to 65:

• Total contributions: $280,000
• Account value at 65: ~$1.5 million
• Tax owed on withdrawal: $0