The name on a spousal RRSP does not always identify the person who must report all of a withdrawal. Recent contributions by the other spouse or common-law partner can trigger attribution back to that contributor.
Check this before requesting the withdrawal, when there is still time to compare options.
Look across the relevant plans and years
The usual review covers the withdrawal year and the two preceding calendar years. It is not simply a rolling count of 36 months. Contributions to the spouse's other RRSPs can matter, not only contributions to the particular account being withdrawn from.
For a withdrawal in 2026, list relevant contributions in 2024, 2025 and 2026. Record the actual contribution date. A contribution made early in one year and deducted for the preceding tax year still needs careful treatment under the attribution rules.
Two dates make the distinction easier to see:
- December 2024 contribution: a January 2027 withdrawal looks back at 2025, 2026 and 2027. That December contribution is outside the window, provided there are no other relevant contributions.
- February 2025 contribution deducted for 2024: it is still a 2025 contribution. It remains inside the window for a 2027 withdrawal.
Check planned contributions later in the withdrawal year too. A January withdrawal does not finish the year's attribution review.
Make a table with the contributing person, receiving plan, amount and date. Include transfers so an account's spousal history is not lost when it moves between institutions.
Calculate the reporting instead of guessing
Where attribution applies, all or part of the withdrawal may belong in the contributor's income. The CRA directs taxpayers to Form T2205 to work out the allocation. Exceptions and special situations can affect the outcome, so do not assume every withdrawal is attributed or none is.
The tax withheld is claimed by the person to whom the slip is issued, even when the income allocation differs. That is another reason both returns should be prepared with the same calculation available.
Keep the decision distinct from pension splitting
A spousal RRSP withdrawal and the annual election to split eligible pension income are different mechanisms. An ordinary RRSP cash withdrawal does not become eligible pension income merely because a couple wants to divide it.
Retain contribution records, the withdrawal slip and the completed allocation. They should explain the reporting on both returns without relying on the account name alone.
