Answer to Our Most Frequently Asked Questions

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What is a self-directed RRSP?

Self-directed RRSPs

A self-directed RRSP allows you to build and manage your own investment portfolio by buying and selling a variety of different types of investments. This page gives details about eligible investments. If you are considering this type of RRSP, be sure to consult with your financial institution.

You can contribute certain property to a self-directed RRSP, such as a mortgage, shares, cash, bonds, or a unit of a mutual fund trust.

For some contributions, you may have to include an amount in your income.
If you want to know more about the type of property you can contribute to a self-directed RRSP and the rules that affect your income, see IT-320, Qualified Investments – Trusts Governed by Registered Retirement Savings Plans, Registered Education Savings Plans and Registered Retirement Income Funds, or contact your plan issuer.

Note
You do not need to report any transactions for items held in your RRSP.
For example, you do not report interest earned in the RRSP on your tax return, as this is an investment transaction of the RRSP itself.
However, any money you remove from the plan is no longer sheltered from taxation and you must report it on your return.

Glossary

List of definitions related to this topic.

Forms and publications

• RRSPs and Other Registered Plans for Retirement guide (T4040)
• IC72-22R9 Registered Retirement Savings Plans
• IT124R6 Contributions to Registered Retirement Savings Plan

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