Some older investors come out ahead
By Gordon Powers, Sympatico / MSN Finance
While yesterday’s budget didn’t target retirees specifically, older investors will certain benefit from the adjusted tax brackets, a reduced bite on RRIF payments and the increase in the senior age credit -- a small consolation for those who saw their savings vaporize in 2008.
The biggest change is the 7.5% increase in the lowest income tax brackets, which will jump to $40,726 and $81,452 respectively, allowing retirees to withdraw a bit more income without sliding into the next bracket.
Upping the senior age credit exemption to $6,408 will mean $150 in additional tax savings for those who qualify.
That means, coupled with the tax-bracket changes, someone making about $40,000 in retirement will see an extra $316 in their pocket. However, since the credit is tied to income, anyone making more than $80,000 won’t be able to use it.
The tax bracket changes will also allow some older investors to get money out of their RRSPs a bit faster and at a slightly lower tax rate. And, if they don't need the money to live on, pulling out an extra $5,000 a year and rolling it into the new TFSA just got that much more attractive.
Also important is the fact that the government is going through with its one-time 25% reduction in mandatory RRIF withdrawals as promised. If you’ve already withdrawn more than the revamped minimum, you can head off to the bank and put it back in.
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