RRIF Minimum Withdrawal Rates 2026 — Complete Table and Strategies

When you turn 71, the CRA requires you to convert your RRSP into a Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF). Starting at age 72, you must withdraw a minimum percentage every year — whether you need the money or not.

These mandatory withdrawals are fully taxable. For retirees with large RRSPs, this can push you into higher tax brackets and trigger OAS clawback. Understanding the rules — and planning ahead — can save you thousands.

The Complete RRIF Minimum Withdrawal Table

The CRA sets prescribed factors for each age. You multiply your RRIF balance on January 1 by the factor for your age that year:

Age	Minimum %	On $300K	On $500K	On $750K
55	2.86%	$8,580	$14,300	$21,450
60	3.33%	$9,990	$16,650	$24,975
65	4.00%	$12,000	$20,000	$30,000
70	5.00%	$15,000	$25,000	$37,500
72	5.40%	$16,200	$27,000	$40,500
75	5.82%	$17,460	$29,100	$43,650
80	6.82%	$20,460	$34,100	$51,150
85	8.51%	$25,530	$42,550	$63,825
90	11.92%	$35,760	$59,600	$89,400
94	18.79%	$56,370	$93,950	$140,925
95+	20.00%	$60,000	$100,000	$150,000

Notice how the percentage accelerates — from 5.40% at 72 to nearly 12% at 90 and 20% at 95+. This is by design: the CRA wants you to draw down the account during your lifetime.

Key RRIF Rules You Need to Know

Conversion Deadline

You must convert your RRSP to a RRIF by December 31 of the year you turn 71. Your first mandatory withdrawal is in the year you turn 72.

Spouse's Age Option

You can elect to use your younger spouse's age to calculate minimums. If you're 75 and your spouse is 70, using their age means a 5.00% minimum instead of 5.82%. This election must be made when you set up the RRIF and cannot be changed later.

No Maximum

There's no maximum RRIF withdrawal — only a minimum. You can take out as much as you want, but it's all taxable income.

Withholding Tax

Amounts above the minimum are subject to withholding tax at source:

Up to $5,000: 10% (5% in Quebec)
$5,001–$15,000: 20% (10% in Quebec)
Over $15,000: 30% (15% in Quebec)

The minimum itself has no withholding tax at source (though it's still taxable on your return).

Why RRIF Minimums Create Problems

The OAS Clawback Trap

The OAS clawback starts at $95,323 of net income in 2026. For a retiree with a $750,000 RRIF at age 80:

RRIF minimum withdrawal: $51,150
CPP income: ~$10,560
OAS income: ~$8,988
Total: ~$70,698

That's manageable. But add a pension or non-registered income, and you're quickly in clawback territory.

With a $1,000,000 RRIF at 80, the minimum alone is $68,200 — and combined with CPP and OAS, you're at $87,748 before any other income.

The Tax Bracket Escalator

As minimums increase with age, they push you into progressively higher brackets. A retiree who was comfortable in the 20% bracket at 72 might find themselves in the 30–40% range by 85 — not because their spending increased, but because the CRA forced larger withdrawals.

5 Strategies to Manage RRIF Minimums

1. Draw Down Your RRSP Before 72

The most effective strategy. If you retire before 72, make voluntary RRSP withdrawals during your low-income years (typically 60–71). This:

Fills low tax brackets at 20–25% instead of 35–45% later
Reduces the RRIF balance that minimums are calculated on
Creates room to stay below the OAS clawback threshold

Example: Withdrawing $30,000/year from age 62–71 removes $300,000+ (with growth) from your future RRIF. At age 80, your minimum is calculated on a much smaller balance.

2. Use Your Younger Spouse's Age

If your spouse is younger, electing their age for RRIF minimums permanently reduces your annual forced withdrawal. The younger the spouse, the bigger the benefit.

Your Age	Your Min %	Spouse Age 65 Min %	Annual Savings on $500K
75	5.82%	4.00%	$9,100
80	6.82%	5.00%	$9,100
85	8.51%	5.82%	$13,450

3. Convert Excess RRIF to TFSA

When you're forced to withdraw more than you need, contribute the after-tax amount to your TFSA. This:

Shelters future growth from tax
Creates tax-free income for later years
TFSA withdrawals don't trigger OAS clawback or affect GIS

The 2026 TFSA annual contribution limit is $7,000 per person ($14,000 for a couple).

4. Pension Income Splitting

After age 65, RRIF withdrawals qualify as eligible pension income. You can:

Split up to 50% with your spouse on your tax returns
Both claim the $2,000 pension income tax credit
Equalize income to keep both partners in lower brackets

For a couple where one partner has a large RRIF and the other has little income, splitting can save $3,000–$8,000 per year in taxes.

5. Coordinate with Other Income Sources

Plan your withdrawal strategy across all accounts:

RRIF: Take only the minimum (or slightly above if in a low bracket)
TFSA: Use for spending that would push you over the OAS threshold
Non-registered: Time capital gains to avoid stacking on top of large RRIF minimums

The RRIF-to-Annuity Option

Some retirees convert part of their RRIF to a life annuity. This:

Provides guaranteed income for life
Removes the balance from RRIF minimum calculations
Reduces longevity risk

However, annuity income is still fully taxable, and you lose control of the capital. This works best for the portion of your RRIF that covers essential expenses.

How RetireZest Helps

RetireZest's simulation engine models your RRIF minimums year by year, showing exactly how they interact with your CPP, OAS, and other income. The strategy comparison tool tests whether early RRSP drawdown, TFSA-first, or a balanced approach gives you the best after-tax outcome.

You can see:

Your projected RRIF minimum at every age
When (and if) you'll hit OAS clawback territory
How much early RRSP drawdown could save you
The optimal withdrawal order for your specific situation

Run your RRIF projection free — it takes about 5 minutes.

Key Takeaways

RRIF minimums start at 5.40% at age 72 and rise to 20% at 95+
You can use your younger spouse's age to reduce minimums permanently
Early RRSP drawdown before 72 is the most effective way to control future minimums
RRIF income qualifies for pension splitting and the pension income credit after 65
Excess withdrawals can be sheltered in a TFSA for tax-free growth

The RRIF rules aren't optional — but how much they cost you is largely within your control. The earlier you start planning, the more options you have.

This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice. The figures cited are based on 2026 CRA prescribed factors and may change. RetireZest is not a registered financial advisor, dealer, or tax professional. Always consult a licensed financial advisor or tax professional before making financial decisions.