Rates and deadlines
RRSP Deadline and Contribution Limit for 2026
March 1, 2027last day to contribute for the 2026 tax year. The 2026 dollar limit is $33,810.
Sources checked October 20263 min read
The deadline
Contributions made in the first 60 days of a year can be deducted for the year before. For 2026, that window closes on March 1, 2027. Anything paid in after that date counts toward 2027, though unused room never expires, so a late contribution is not lost, only deferred.
Key points
- Contributions up to March 1, 2027 count for 2026
- Limit: 18% of last year's earned income, up to $33,810
- The 2027 dollar limit is $35,390
- Salary creates RRSP room; dividends do not
Your own limit
Your new room for 2026 is 18% of your earned income for 2025, up to the $33,810 dollar limit, less any pension adjustment from a workplace plan, plus room you did not use in earlier years. Your notice of assessment shows the exact figure.
Someone who earned $120,000 in 2025 gets $21,600 of new room. Someone who earned $200,000 reaches the cap, because 18% of their income is more than $33,810.
| Tax year | Dollar limit |
|---|---|
| 2026 | $33,810 |
| 2027 | $35,390 |
Going over the limit
There is a small cushion: contributions can run up to $2,000 past your limit without penalty. Beyond that, the excess is taxed at 1% a month until it is withdrawn or absorbed by new room, and the tax is reported on a separate T1-OVP return due 90 days after the year end.
For owners of a corporation
Earned income for RRSP purposes includes salary but not dividends. An owner who pays themselves only in dividends builds no RRSP room at all, which is one of the trade offs worth weighing when deciding how to draw money from the company.
Quick answers
What is the RRSP deadline for 2026?
March 1, 2027, the 60th day of 2027.
What is the RRSP limit for 2026?
18% of your 2025 earned income up to $33,810, less any pension adjustment, plus unused room carried forward.
Do dividends from my corporation give me RRSP room?
No. Only earned income such as salary counts.
Related pages
Official sources
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Important. This article provides general educational information, not legal or tax advice for a specific business. Rules, administrative policies, rates and deadlines can change. Confirm your facts and current obligations with the responsible government agency and a qualified adviser.