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RRSP Deadline 2026: The One Date Every Canadian Investor Must Know

If you’re planning your taxes, bonuses, or investment strategy, this date matters more than almost any other in 2026.
December 21, 2025 by
RRSP Deadline 2026: The One Date Every Canadian Investor Must Know
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👉 The RRSP contribution deadline for the 2025 tax year is:

📅 Monday, March 2, 2026

Miss it — and you could be leaving thousands of dollars in tax savings on the table.

Why the RRSP Deadline Is March 2, 2026 (Not March 1)

RRSP rules are simple in theory but easy to misremember in practice.

Here’s how the math works 👇

  • RRSP contribution deadlines are 60 days after December 31

  • In 2026, the 60th day lands on Sunday, March 1

  • When a deadline falls on a weekend, it automatically moves to the next business day

Final RRSP deadline: Monday, March 2, 2026

This is the last day your RRSP contribution can be deducted against your 2025 income.

What Happens If You Contribute by March 2, 2026?

If you contribute on or before March 2, 2026:

✔ The contribution can be deducted on your 2025 tax return

✔ You may receive a meaningful tax refund

✔ Your taxable income for 2025 is reduced

✔ Your long-term retirement capital grows tax-deferred

This is why RRSP season often creates a surge in investor activity early in the year.

What If You Miss the Deadline?

You’re not locked out — but the benefit changes.

  • Contributions after March 2, 2026:

    • Cannot be deducted for 2025

    • ✅ Will count toward future tax years

    • ✅ Still grow tax-deferred

Timing is everything when it comes to RRSP optimization.

RRSP vs TFSA: The Key Difference Many Investors Forget

One of the most common mistakes Canadians make is treating RRSPs like TFSAs.

They are not the same.

RRSP contribution room is based on:

  • Earned income

  • Past contribution usage

  • CRA-reported limits

TFSA contribution room is based on:

  • Government-set annual limits

  • Age and residency

  • Withdrawals added back in future years

This distinction matters when structuring year-end and early-year investment strategies.

Why RRSP Season Matters to Lendworth Shareholders

For many Lendworth shareholders and sophisticated investors, RRSP season is not just about taxes — it’s about capital efficiency.

March deadlines often coincide with:

  • Bonuses being paid

  • Refinancing decisions

  • Corporate distributions

  • Reallocation of idle cash

Used correctly, RRSP contributions can complement TFSA strategies and non-registered investing — creating tax-aware, long-term wealth planning.

Final Takeaway

  • 🗓 RRSP deadline for the 2025 tax year: March 2, 2026

  • 💰 Contributions before that date reduce 2025 taxable income

  • ⏳ Contributions after count toward future years

  • 🧠 RRSP rules are income-based — unlike TFSAs

If you’re planning your next move as an investor or shareholder, this deadline should already be on your calendar.

📞 Lendworth shareholders looking to align tax planning with long-term capital strategy are encouraged to connect with the team.

Your equity deserves more™