Maximizing discretionary RRIF income by borrowing to invest

Tax managed strategy 3

If you’re an investor with discretionary income from a registered retirement income fund (RRIF), you can put that income to good use. By borrowing to invest, you not only gain tax savings each year but also the potential to significantly increase the value of your non-registered investment portfolio over the long term.

Perhaps you’re someone with additional sources of income, who doesn’t need the money from your RRIF payments for day-to-day living expenses. Instead, you reinvest your RRIF payments into a separately held non-registered investment.

If this sounds like you, then you may be in a higher tax bracket, making quarterly tax installments and looking for ways to reduce taxes.

There’s a unique strategy tailored for people like you. The strategy involves creating a tax deduction using discretionary RRIF income to pay the interest on funds borrowed to invest. The interest payments are generally tax deductible, and instead of investing after-tax RRIF income each year, a large lump-sum amount gets working right away.

An in-depth look at the issue … and the opportunities

Individuals who are reinvesting their after-tax discretionary RRIF income each year because they don’t need the money to meet their living and other discretionary expenses can put that revenue stream to work. Instead of building their non-registered investment with their RRIF payments, they can consider borrowing to invest.

Here’s how it works:

  1. Apply for an investment loan.
  2. Use the amount of the loan in a lump sum to purchase non-registered investments.
  3. Pay the loan interest with the discretionary RRIF payments you received.
  4. The loan interest paid becomes a deduction on your tax return.¹

As you can see, it’s very straightforward—and it can make a big difference to your bottom line.

How borrowing to invest can work—an example

Harry is a wealthy retiree looking for an opportunity to reduce his taxes. He has discretionary RRIF income of $12,000 a year. Here’s how his situation looks, using this strategy.

Assumptions

Discretionary RRIF income $12,000
Annual rate of return 6%
Loan interest 5%
Tax on RRIF withdrawals 46%
Tax rate on investment earning 25%
Taxable percentage of investment returns 25%

For illustration purposes only 

Determining the amount of the loan

Harry’s RRIF minimum amount will carry an interest-only loan of $240,000, calculated as follows:

Harry's loan amount is $300,000, calculated by dividing the $12,000 annual RRIF income by the loan interest rate of 4%.

How the situation stacks up

The discretionary RRIF income amount of $12,000 is used to cover all borrowing expenses instead of being invested after tax on a yearly basis. Harry gains the tax deductibility of the interest, and a lump sum amount ($240,000) is immediately invested.

What it looks like at year 10

Harry’s RRIF minimum amount will carry an interest-only loan of $240,000. At year 10, the after-tax value of the $240,000 Harry invested (with the loan repaid) is $142,668 (vs $80,404, which would be the after-tax value of the regular deposits if Harry simply invested his discretionary RRIF income each year).

Harry increased his net worth by $62,264 by investing a larger lump sum over the 10 years instead of investing the after-tax discretionary RRIF income on an annual basis. After taxes are paid on the annual taxable distributions in the leveraged account, the interest deductions totaling $120,000 over 10 years have reduced his taxes payable by $44,819.

Ideal candidates

  • Investors who don’t need their RRIF payments for day-to-day living expenses or to fund their leisure activities, such as travel, during their retirement.

It’s important to remember that this strategy may not be appropriate for someone with a very low risk tolerance.

Take action

Consider:

  • adding a leverage loan to your investment plan to potentially use accumulated wealth
  • adding a dollar-for-dollar deduction from income to reduce taxes.

Investment options with Manulife Investment Management

Mutual funds from Manulife Investment Management can help meet your specific financial needs throughout your life. Whether you’re just starting out, accumulating wealth, or nearing/in retirement, mutual funds offered by Manulife Investment Management can provide you with solutions to help build a portfolio that meets your needs.

Segregated fund contracts combine the growth potential offered by a broad range of investment funds with the unique wealth-protection features of an insurance contract. Through Manulife Investment Management segregated fund contracts, investors can help minimize their exposure to risk through income, death, and maturity guarantees; potential creditor-protection features; and estate-planning benefits—all from a single product or insurance contract.

Investment loans allow investors to make a large initial investment contribution and benefit from the potential for compound growth and interest deductibility. Manulife Bank loans are available for a variety of mutual fund accounts and segregated fund contracts, and offer attractive options such as 100% financing, no margin calls on market fluctuations,2 interest-only payments, and a one-step application process.

1 Actual tax deductibility of loan interest depends on a number of factors, with the Income Tax Act (Canada) providing the framework for determining deductibility. Results for Quebec residents may differ due to different interest deductibility rules. Consult your tax and legal advisors with respect to your particular circumstances. 2 No margin calls on 100% loans and multiplier loans; however, if loan-to-value (LTV) exceeds 125%, then interest-only loans may be converted to a principal-plus-interest loan at the discretion of Manulife Bank. The no margin-call feature isn’t available on custom loans.

Borrowing to invest may be appropriate only for investors with a higher risk tolerance. You should be fully aware of the risks and benefits associated with investment loans since losses as well as gains may be magnified. Preferred candidates are those willing to invest for the long term and not averse to increased risk. The value of your investment will vary and is not guaranteed; however, you must meet the loan and income tax obligations and repay the loan in full. Please ensure you read the terms of the loan agreement and the investment details for important information. Manulife Bank of Canada solely acts in the capacity of lender and loan administrator and does not provide investment advice of any nature to individuals or advisors. The dealer and advisor are responsible for determining the appropriateness of investments for their clients and informing them of the risks associated with borrowing to invest.

Any amount that is allocated to a segregated fund is invested at the risk of the contract holder and may increase or decrease in value. Quick loans, Multiplier and Custom loans are offered by Manulife Bank of Canada. Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with mutual fund investments. Please read the fund facts as well as the prospectus before investing. Mutual funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated.

This communication is published by Manulife Investment Management.  Any commentaries and information contained in this communication are provided as a general source of information only and should not be considered personal investment, tax, accounting or legal advice and should not be relied upon in that regard. Professional advisors should be consulted prior to acting based on the information contained in this communication to ensure that any action taken with respect to this information is appropriate to their specific situation. Facts and data provided by Manulife Investment Management and other sources are believed to be reliable as at the date of publication.

Certain statements contained in this communication are based, in whole or in part, on information provided by third parties and Manulife Investment Management has taken reasonable steps to ensure their accuracy but can’t be held liable for such information being inaccurate. Market conditions may change which may impact the information contained in this document.

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MK1380E 08/23

Tax, Retirement & Estate Planning Services Team

Tax, Retirement & Estate Planning Services Team

Manulife Investment Management

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