Justin and Yvonne both open a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) for their daughter Grace. They plan to regularly contribute $1,000 per year until Grace reaches the age of 17. Which of the following statements relating to RESP is CORRECT?
Correct Answer: A
Explanation A Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) is a tax-advantaged savings plan that helps parents and family members save for a child's post-secondary education. The government also contributes to the plan through the Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG) and the Canada Learning Bond (CLB), depending on the family income and the amount of contributions. However, there are some rules and limits that apply to RESP contributions and government grants. One of them is the lifetime contribution limit, which is the maximum amount that can be contributed to an RESP for a beneficiary from all sources. The lifetime contribution limit is $50,000 per beneficiary, regardless of how many RESPs are opened for them or who contributes to them. Therefore, statement A is correct. Justin and Yvonne may contribute a combined lifetime maximum of $50,000 for Grace to their RESP. The other statements are incorrect for the following reasons: Statement B: RESPs are not tax-free investment plans. They are tax-deferred plans, meaning that the contributions are made with after-tax dollars and the investment income earned in the plan is not taxed until it is withdrawn as an educational assistance payment (EAP) for the beneficiary. The EAPs are taxed in the hands of the beneficiary, who usually has little or no income and pays little or no tax. Statement C: There is no annual contribution limit for RESP contributions. However, there is an annual limit for the CESG, which is 20% of the first $2,500 contributed per beneficiary per year, up to a maximum of $500 per year. The CESG also has a lifetime limit of $7,200 per beneficiary. Statement D: Contributions made to an RESP are not eligible for a tax deduction in the year they are contributed. They are made with after-tax dollars and do not reduce the contributor's taxable income. References: Canadian Investment Funds Course, Unit 9, Section 9.1
CIFC Exam Question 37
Which among the following plans includes a provision that places a maximum limit on the amount that can be withdrawn during a calendar year?
Correct Answer: A
Explanation A LIF is a type of registered retirement income fund that is used to hold and pay out locked-in pension funds. A LIF has both a minimum and a maximum withdrawal limit for each calendar year, which are determined by the federal or provincial pension legislation, the age of the annuitant, and the value of the fund. The minimum withdrawal limit is similar to that of a RRIF, but the maximum withdrawal limit is intended to ensure that the LIF provides income for the lifetime of the annuitant123 References = Canadian Investment Funds Course (CIFC) - Module 3: Registered Plans - Section 3.4: Life Income Fund (LIF)4 and web search results from search_web(query="maximum withdrawal limit for LIF RRSP RRIF DPSP")123 4: https://www.ifse.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/CIFC-Module-3.pdf
CIFC Exam Question 38
Xerxes, 45 years old, is a successful architect, having an annual income of $185,000. He has around $10,000 in his non-registered account, which he is looking to invest in a tax-efficient manner. From the following options, which would be the most tax-efficient?
Correct Answer: B
Explanation A Canadian equity index fund is a type of mutual fund that invests in a portfolio of stocks that track the performance of a Canadian stock market index, such as the S&P/TSX Composite Index. This fund would be the most tax-efficient option for Xerxes, because it has low turnover and generates mostly capital gains, which are taxed at a lower rate than interest income or dividends. A bond fund would generate interest income, which is taxed at the highest marginal rate. An asset allocation fund would have a mix of different types of investments, which may not be optimal for Xerxes' tax situation. A target date fund would adjust its asset mix over time based on a predetermined retirement date, which may not match Xerxes' goals or risk tolerance. (Canadian Investment Funds Course, Chapter 9, Section 9.2) References: * Canadian Investment Funds Course, Chapter 9, Section 9.2: Tax-Efficient Investing * IFSE Institute: Tax-Efficient Investing1 * Investopedia: Tax-Efficient Investing2
CIFC Exam Question 39
Which of the following is a rationale for a portfolio manager to use a passive portfolio management strategy?
Correct Answer: D
CIFC Exam Question 40
Greg is a Dealing Representative. As a part of his business building activity, Greg prepares several messages to post on his website and Facebook page. Which statement CORRECTLY describes this situation?
Correct Answer: C
Explanation According to the MFDA rules, any sales communication that is prepared by a Member or an Approved Person, such as Greg, must be approved by the dealer in writing prior to its publication, issuance, or use. A sales communication is any communication that is intended to promote the business of the Member or the Approved Person, or the sale of securities, including any communication on a website or a social media platform. The dealer must ensure that the sales communication is fair, balanced, and not misleading, and that it complies with the applicable laws and regulations12 References = web search results from search_web(query="sales communication and mutual fund dealers association rules")12