Spousal TFSAs
Individuals can contribute to a spouse’s TFSA. Contributions made by an individual into a spouse’s TFSA are not subject to the income attribution rules (since income earned within the TFSA is not taxable). On death TFSA assets can be transferred to the surviving spouse or common-law partner without affecting the contribution room of the survivor.
Transfer Rules
Individuals can transfer investments from an existing non-registered account into a TFSA, just as they can transfer investments from an existing non-registered account into a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP). The investments transferred are deemed to have been disposed at fair market value. This may trigger a capital gain which would be taxable and reported on an individual’s income tax return. If a capital loss is triggered, the loss may be denied under the superficial loss rules.
Tracking Contribution Limits
Each year, the government determines and advises individuals of their TFSA contribution limits for that tax year.