RRIF minimum withdrawal 2026: the CRA factor table, the formula and a calculator
Once an RRSP turns into a RRIF, the money has to start coming out. The CRA sets the floor, not you, and it rises every year. Here is the exact table, how the younger spouse option works, what gets taxed and a calculator for your own numbers.
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RRIF minimum withdrawal calculator
What is your RRIF minimum this year?
Uses the CRA's prescribed factor chart ("All other RRIFs" column, or "Qualifying RRIFs" where it differs) and the formula 1 ÷ (90 − age) for ages 70 and under. The five-year table holds the value flat only to show how the factor climbs; real balances change every year. There is no minimum in the year the RRIF is set up. Pre-1986 RRIFs use a different column; ask your carrier.
How the RRIF minimum is calculated
The CRA rule has three parts:
- Timing: the minimum starts in the year after the year you set up the RRIF. Open one in 2026 and your first required minimum is for 2027.
- Value: the carrier takes the fair market value of the RRIF at the start of the year (January 1).
- Factor: it multiplies that value by a prescribed factor tied to your age at the start of the year. For ages 70 and under the factor is 1 ÷ (90 − age). From 71 on, it comes from the CRA chart below.
You can always take more than the minimum. You can never take less. Redemption fees on mutual fund units are expenses of the RRIF and do not count toward the minimum.
RRIF minimum withdrawal table by age
These are the CRA prescribed factors for most RRIFs (the "All other RRIFs" column). Qualifying RRIFs, generally those set up before 1993 and never topped up with other property, use 5.26% at 71 and match this column from 72 on.
| Age at Jan 1 | Factor | Age at Jan 1 | Factor |
|---|---|---|---|
| 65 | 4.00% | 81 | 7.08% |
| 70 | 5.00% | 82 | 7.38% |
| 71 | 5.28% | 83 | 7.71% |
| 72 | 5.40% | 84 | 8.08% |
| 73 | 5.53% | 85 | 8.51% |
| 74 | 5.67% | 86 | 8.99% |
| 75 | 5.82% | 87 | 9.55% |
| 76 | 5.98% | 88 | 10.21% |
| 77 | 6.17% | 89 | 10.99% |
| 78 | 6.36% | 90 | 11.92% |
| 79 | 6.58% | 91 to 94 | 13.06% to 18.79% |
| 80 | 6.82% | 95 or older | 20.00% |
The 65 and 70 figures come from the 1 ÷ (90 − age) formula: 1 ÷ 25 = 4.00% and 1 ÷ 20 = 5.00%.
Worked example
Lena converted her RRSP to a RRIF in 2025. On January 1, 2026 she is 72 and the RRIF is worth $250,000. She plans to take $20,000 this year.
| Step | Arithmetic | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Factor at 72 | CRA chart | 5.40% |
| 2026 minimum | $250,000 × 5.40% | $13,500 |
| Excess amount | $20,000 − $13,500 | $6,500 |
| Tax withheld on the minimum | CRA: none | $0 |
| Taxable income from the RRIF | $13,500 + $6,500 | $20,000 |
The younger spouse option. If Lena had chosen to use her husband's age when she set up the RRIF and he was 65 on January 1, the factor would be 1 ÷ (90 − 65) = 4.00%, and the minimum $10,000. That is $3,500 less she is required to take this year. The CRA says the election has to be made when the RRIF is set up, so it is worth deciding before you sign the application, not after.
Tax on RRIF withdrawals
- The minimum: the CRA tells carriers not to withhold tax on the minimum amount. It is still income, reported on your T4RIF slip.
- The excess: anything above the minimum is an "excess amount" and the carrier must withhold tax on it. Ask your carrier which rate it applies to your withdrawal.
- Settling up at tax time: because nothing is withheld on the minimum, many retirees owe tax in April. Some ask the carrier to withhold extra voluntarily; others set money aside.
- Pension income amount: if you are 65 or older on December 31, RRIF income can qualify for the pension income amount on your return.
RRIF income also counts toward net income for the OAS recovery tax and the Guaranteed Income Supplement income test. Taking more than the minimum in one year can push you over a threshold you would otherwise stay under.
When an RRSP has to become a RRIF
An RRSP generally has to mature by December 31 of the year you turn 71. At that point the money must be withdrawn as cash (fully taxable that year), moved to a RRIF, or used to buy an annuity. The CRA says the RRSP issuer does not withhold tax on amounts transferred directly to a RRIF. You can convert earlier than 71; the minimum then uses the 1 ÷ (90 − age) formula. December 31 of the year you turn 71 is also the last day you can contribute to your own RRSP; our RRSP guide covers what you can still do with a spousal RRSP after that.
Options people compare
| Approach | What it does | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Take only the minimum | Keeps the most in the tax-sheltered account | No tax withheld, so plan for a bill in April |
| Use a younger spouse's age | Lowers the required minimum every year | Must be chosen when the RRIF is set up |
| Take more in lower-income years | Spreads taxable income more evenly | Tax is withheld on the excess; check OAS and GIS effects |
| Move what you do not need to a TFSA | Future growth on that money is tax-free | Only up to your TFSA room ($7,000 of new room for 2026); see our TFSA limit guide |
Looni does not recommend investments or withdrawal strategies; these are the choices retirees and their advisors commonly weigh. More calculators are on the tools page.
How to work out your RRIF minimum for the year
- Check your age on January 1, or your younger spouse's age if you chose that option when the RRIF was set up.
- Look up the prescribed factor in the CRA chart, or use 1 divided by (90 minus age) if the age is 70 or under.
- Find the RRIF's value on January 1 on your year-end statement.
- Multiply the value by the factor to get the minimum.
- Decide whether to take more, knowing tax is withheld only on the excess.
- Set money aside, or ask for voluntary withholding, for the tax due on the minimum.
Questions people ask
How is the RRIF minimum withdrawal calculated?
Your carrier multiplies the fair market value of the RRIF at the start of the year by a prescribed factor based on your age at the start of the year. For ages 70 and under the factor is 1 divided by (90 minus your age). From 71 on, the CRA publishes a chart.
What is the RRIF minimum percentage at age 71?
5.28% for most RRIFs. A qualifying RRIF, generally one set up before 1993, uses 5.26% at 71. At 72 both use 5.40%.
Do I have to take a RRIF minimum in the first year?
No. The minimum starts in the year after the year the RRIF is set up.
Can I use my spouse's age for my RRIF minimum?
Yes, if your spouse or common-law partner is younger and you choose that option when you set up the RRIF. A younger age gives a lower factor and a lower required minimum.
Is tax withheld on RRIF minimum payments?
No. The CRA tells carriers not to withhold income tax from the minimum amount. Tax is withheld only on amounts above the minimum. The full withdrawal is still taxable income.
Can I withdraw less than the RRIF minimum?
No. You can withdraw more than the minimum in any year, but not less.
When do I have to convert my RRSP to a RRIF?
Generally by December 31 of the year you turn 71. At that point the RRSP must be withdrawn, transferred to a RRIF or used to buy an annuity.
Looni reads your statements and flags bank fees, subscriptions and charges you may be paying without noticing, so fixed retirement income stretches further. Read-only, no advice.
Sources
Canada Revenue Agency, Minimum amount from a RRIF (minimum every year after the year the RRIF is set up, FMV at the start of the year times a prescribed factor, spouse or common-law partner's age if elected at set-up, 1 divided by 90 minus age, redemption fees not part of the minimum), Chart: Prescribed factors (ages 71 to 95 or older, qualifying and all other RRIFs), Receiving income from a RRIF (withdraw more but not less than the minimum, pension income amount at 65 or older), Guide T4079 (withhold tax from the excess amount, do not withhold from the minimum) and Options for your own RRSPs (mature by the end of the year you turn 71, no withholding on direct transfers to a RRIF). The Lena example is illustrative; the arithmetic is ours.