Can using my younger spouse's age reduce my RRIF minimum withdrawal?

Arsen Accounting Services · Question 164 · Sources checked October 29, 2026

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You can elect to calculate a RRIF's minimum payment using your spouse's or common-law partner's age. A younger age can produce a smaller required withdrawal. The election needs to be addressed when the RRIF is established.

Decide before the account is set up

CRA says minimum payments generally begin in the year after the RRIF is established. The calculation uses the beginning-of-year value and the applicable factor based on the selected age. You can withdraw more than the minimum if you need additional cash.

A smaller minimum is a flexibility choice, not proof that taking less is always optimal. Consider cash needs, total income, benefits, and the wider retirement plan. The tax on actual withdrawals still needs to be calculated.

Official guidance: [1], [2].

Compare the two minimums

For example, spouses of different ages can ask the institution to show the minimum using each permitted age before opening the RRIF. Keep that comparison with the account instructions so the election is intentional rather than an unnoticed default.

Prepare for the conversion meeting

• Both dates of birth and marital-status information.
• Existing RRSP and RRIF statements.
• Expected pension and other taxable income.
• Cash needs and withholding instructions.

Confirm the institution recorded the election correctly and retain the signed documents. Ask how withdrawals above the minimum will be handled. If you have several RRIFs, review each account's setup rather than assuming an election on one account automatically applies to all of them. Revisit the annual withdrawal plan as income needs change.