IRRSP Practice Test (NEW UPDATED VERSION) LATEST ACTUAL EXAM
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS)-
GUARANTEED PASS A+ UPDATED 2026
Q1: What does IRRSP stand for?
A: Individual Registered Retirement Savings Plan
Rationale: An IRRSP is a registered retirement savings account that allows Canadians to save
for retirement while receiving tax benefits.
Q2: How are contributions to an IRRSP treated for tax purposes?
A: They are tax-deductible, reducing taxable income.
Rationale: Contributions reduce your taxable income in the year they are made, lowering
income tax payable.
Q3: What is the annual contribution limit to an IRRSP based on?
A: A percentage of earned income and any unused contribution room from previous years.
Rationale: The government sets a limit (typically 18% of earned income up to a maximum) plus
any carry-forward room.
Q4: Are investment earnings inside an IRRSP taxed annually?
A: No, investment growth is tax-deferred.
Rationale: Taxes are only paid when funds are withdrawn from the plan.
Q5: At what age must IRRSP contributions stop?
A: By the end of the year you turn 71.
Rationale: After 71, the IRRSP must be converted to a RRIF or annuity.
Q6: What happens if you withdraw funds from an IRRSP before retirement?
A: Withdrawals are subject to tax withholding and included as income.
Rationale: Early withdrawals reduce the retirement savings benefit and are taxed as income.
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Q7: What is the purpose of the Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP) in relation to IRRSPs?
A: Allows first-time homebuyers to withdraw up to $35,000 from an IRRSP tax-free to buy a
home.
Rationale: HBP withdrawals must be repaid to the IRRSP over 15 years to avoid taxes.
Q8: What is the Lifelong Learning Plan (LLP)?
A: A program allowing tax-free withdrawals from an IRRSP to finance education.
Rationale: Withdrawals must be repaid over 10 years; it supports further education without
immediate tax.
Q9: Are contributions to a spouse’s IRRSP allowed?
A: Yes, they are called spousal contributions.
Rationale: Contributions to a spouse’s IRRSP can generate tax deductions for the contributor
and income splitting for retirement.
Q10: What is the tax treatment of withdrawals from a spousal IRRSP?
A: Taxed in the hands of the plan owner if made within 3 years of contribution; otherwise taxed
to the spouse.
Rationale: Prevents immediate income splitting abuse.
Q11: Can IRRSP funds be invested in mutual funds, stocks, bonds, and ETFs?
A: Yes
Rationale: IRRSPs are flexible investment accounts, and growth is tax-deferred.
Q12: What is “contribution room” in an IRRSP?
A: The maximum amount you can contribute to an IRRSP without penalty.
Rationale: Contribution room accumulates from the current year and any unused room from
prior years.
Q13: What is the maximum contribution for 2026? (assume CRA limit is $31,560)
A: 18% of earned income up to $31,560 plus any unused contribution room.
Rationale: CRA sets annual maximums; contributions beyond this incur penalties.
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Q14: What penalty applies for over-contributing to an IRRSP?
A: 1% per month on excess contributions over $2,000.
Rationale: CRA imposes penalties to discourage over-contribution.
Q15: How are IRRSP withdrawals taxed in retirement?
A: Fully taxed as income in the year of withdrawal.
Rationale: Taxes are deferred until retirement, when income may be lower.
Q16: Can you carry forward unused contribution room?
A: Yes, indefinitely.
Rationale: Unused room from previous years increases future contribution capacity.
Q17: When converting an IRRSP to a RRIF, what is the minimum withdrawal requirement?
A: A percentage of the RRIF balance based on age.
Rationale: CRA mandates minimum withdrawals to ensure eventual taxation.
Q18: Are IRRSP contributions deductible if you participate in a pension plan?
A: Only up to your available contribution room, reduced by the Pension Adjustment (PA).
Rationale: PA accounts for benefits accrued in employer pension plans, limiting deduction
room.
Q19: Can non-residents contribute to an IRRSP?
A: Generally no, unless they have Canadian earned income and contribution room.
Rationale: Only residents with earned income in Canada are eligible.
Q20: What is the advantage of contributing early in the year?
A: More time for tax-deferred growth.
Rationale: Earlier contributions allow investment earnings to compound for a longer period
before taxation.
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Q21: Can contributions be made to a spousal IRRSP?
A: Yes
Rationale: Contributions to a spouse’s IRRSP allow income splitting in retirement and tax
deductions for the contributor.
Q22: How are withdrawals from a spousal IRRSP taxed if made within 3 years of contribution?
A: Taxed to the contributor
Rationale: This rule prevents immediate income-splitting abuse; after 3 years, withdrawals are
taxed to the spouse.
Q23: What investment types are allowed inside an IRRSP?
A: Mutual funds, stocks, bonds, ETFs, GICs
Rationale: IRRSPs provide flexible investment options, with all growth tax-deferred.
Q24: What is contribution room?
A: The maximum amount that can be contributed to an IRRSP without penalty
Rationale: Includes current year limit plus unused room from prior years.
Q25: What happens if you exceed your IRRSP contribution limit?
A: 1% per month penalty on excess contributions above $2,000
Rationale: CRA imposes penalties to discourage over-contribution.
Q26: What is the maximum annual IRRSP contribution for 2026?
A: 18% of earned income up to $31,560 plus any unused room
Rationale: CRA sets annual maximums, which are indexed to inflation.
Q27: Are IRRSP contributions deductible if you are in a pension plan?
A: Only up to available contribution room, reduced by the Pension Adjustment (PA)
Rationale: PA accounts for pension benefits accrued in employer plans, limiting contribution
room.
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