TFSA Investors: What to Know About New CRA Limits

You might not think so, but Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) investors need to pay close attention to the new Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Every year of contribution room is a use-it-or-lose-it opportunity for tax-free growth. When the limit increases, it’s like the government quietly handing you new space where your money can grow, compound, and pay income without ever being taxed. Missing that chance doesn’t just mean lost savings today. It means lost decades of potential growth that can never be recovered later.

What to know

For 2026, the CRA has set the annual TFSA contribution limit at $7,000, continuing its inflation-linked adjustments. This means Canadians who are eligible to contribute will get fresh tax-free room on January 1, regardless of income level. Unused contribution room continues to carry forward indefinitely, which is especially helpful for people who couldn’t afford to contribute in earlier years. If you’ve withdrawn money from your TFSA in 2025, that amount also gets added back to your available room in 2026, giving you even more flexibility.

The key thing Canadians need to understand is that TFSA growth and income are completely tax-free. Interest, dividends, and capital gains earned inside the account are never taxed, and withdrawals don’t affect government benefits like Old Age Security (OAS) or Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS). That makes the TFSA uniquely powerful compared to a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP). That’s especially true for investors focused on long-term growth, dividend income, or flexible retirement planning. Using the new limit wisely matters far more than just contributing for the sake of it.

However, another important detail is avoiding over-contributions. The CRA charges a 1% per month penalty on excess amounts, which can quietly add up if you’re not tracking your room carefully. Investors should confirm their available contribution space through their CRA My Account and keep personal records, especially if they’ve made withdrawals, transfers, or multiple deposits across different institutions. Treating TFSA room as a valuable, limited resource helps ensure it’s used intentionally and efficiently.

Consider ETFs

Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are some of the best ways to take full advantage of the TFSA’s new limit. These provide you with not one, not two, but perhaps thousands of stocks in one purchase. ETFs basically do the hard work for you, with money managers on hand to ensure you’re holding the best of the best.

BMO S&P/TSX Capped Composite Index ETF (TSX:ZCN) is a strong ETF to consider for the new TFSA limit because it offers broad exposure to the Canadian stock market in a simple, low-cost package. It tracks nearly the entire TSX, with heavy exposure to banks, energy, and utilities. These are sectors known for dividends and long-term stability. Recent performance has benefited from resilient financials and recovering resource stocks, making it a solid core holding. For TFSA investors, ZCN’s mix of dividends and capital growth compounds especially well when sheltered from tax, making it an easy, set-and-forget way to use new contribution room.

Vanguard Growth ETF Portfolio (TSX:VGRO) is another excellent option for the new TFSA limit, especially for investors who want growth with a bit of built-in stability. VGRO holds a diversified mix of global equities and bonds, automatically rebalanced, giving exposure to Canada, the U.S., international markets, and emerging economies. Recent performance has been strong as equity markets recovered, while the bond portion helps smooth volatility. For TFSA investors, VGRO works well as a long-term, hands-off solution that grows steadily over time, making it ideal for those who want to use their new contribution room without actively managing multiple investments.

Bottom line

The new CRA contributions are practically here. For investors wanting to take full advantage, ETFs are a great way to get in on the action quickly. In fact, here’s what an equal $7,000 investment in these ETFs would bring in from dividends alone.

COMPANYRECENT PRICENUMBER OF SHARESDIVIDENDANNUAL TOTAL PAYOUTFREQUENCYTOTAL INVESTMENTZCN$42.27165$0.93$153.45Quarterly$6,974.55VGRO$43.00162$0.72$116.64Quarterly$6,966.00

In short, ZCN and VGRO aren’t just stocks; they’re baskets of top stocks offering you major income that could turn that $7,000 into massive returns for life.

The post TFSA Investors: What to Know About New CRA Limits appeared first on The Motley Fool Canada.

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More reading

• Is the Average TFSA and RRSP Enough at Age 65?
• 3 No-Brainer TSX Stocks to Buy With $300
• Outlook for Enbridge Stock in 2026
• 5 of the Best TSX Dividend Stocks to Buy Under $100
• 2 Dead-Simple Canadian Stocks to Buy With $1,000 Right Now

Fool contributor Amy Legate-Wolfe has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.