An IPP is a tax-deferred savings vehicle used to invest and save for retirement. Contributions are tax-deductible and made directly from the corporation. Similar to an RRSP, the assets inside an IPP are tax-deferred until withdrawn, at which time they are treated as income.
How much can be contributed to an Individual Pension Plan?
| Age | RRSP Contribution | IPP Contribution | IPP Advantage | |
| 45 | $30,780 | $33,200 | $ 2,420 | 8% |
| 50 | $30,780 | $36,400 | $ 5,620 | 18% |
| 55 | $30,780 | $40,000 | $ 9,220 | 30% |
| 60 | $30,780 | $43,900 | $13,120 | 43% |
| 65 | $30,780 | $48,300 | $17,520 | 57% |
Who is a good candidate for an Individual Pension Plan?
- Business owner
- Registered professional
- Middle aged adult (40+)
- T4 Earnings of $100K+
- An IPP can be established for someone with lower earnings
Case Study
A business owner, aged 55, incorporated for 24 years, maximum T4 earnings of $178,600 with a current RRSP balance of $291,866.
- $156,600 in immediate past service funding,
tax-deductible to the company - $221,700 in qualifying transfer (from existing RRSP balance)
- Up to $446,211 more in tax-deductible contribution room over working years (excluding past service)
- The IPP balance could be up to $1,306,700
more than the RRSP balance
All the above figures are based on 2022 prescribed assumptions.
Advantages of an Individual Pension Plan
- Increased tax-deductible contribution room – up to 65% more than an RRSP
- Can reduce passive income in corporation
- Tax-deductible company contributions for prior years (past service)
- Richest benefit plan in Canada – 2% defined benefit pension plan
- All costs are tax-deductible to the company
- Creditor protection
- Increased corporate and personal tax savings
- Can include employed family members and pass on wealth to the next generation