Dictionary, Census of Population, 2021
Contributions to tax-free savings accounts (TFSA)

Definition

Total dollar amount of contributions made by a person to tax-free savings accounts (TFSA) during the reference period. Individuals can make contributions to their TFSAs up to a limit, known as the TFSA contribution room, in each calendar year.

The TFSA contribution room is made up of:

• the TFSA dollar limit for the calendar year;
• any unused TFSA contribution room from the previous year;
• any withdrawals made from the TFSA in the previous year.

For the 2021 Census, the reference period for income data is the calendar year 2020, unless otherwise specified.

Statistical unit(s)

• Person

Classification(s)

• Not applicable

Reported in

2021 and 2016 (100% data).

Reported for

Population aged 15 years and over in private households

Question number(s)

Variable derived based on administrative tax and benefit records received from the Canada Revenue Agency.

Responses

Positive dollar value or nil

Remarks

One must be at least 18 years old to be eligible to make contributions to a tax-free savings account.

For additional information about data collection method, coverage, reference period, concepts, data quality and intercensal comparability of the income data, refer to the Income Reference Guide, Census of Population, 2021.