RRSP Withdrawal Tax in Nova Scotia (2026)
CRA withholds 10% / 20% / 30% at source for withdrawals up to $5,000 / $5,001–$15,000 / over $15,000 — federal only (no provincial withholding outside Quebec). Final tax at filing depends on your Nova Scotia marginal rate (other income + brackets).
Withholding at Source (Nova Scotia)
| Withdrawal amount | Federal (CRA) | Total withheld |
|---|---|---|
| Up to $5,000 | 10% | 10% |
| $5,001 – $15,000 | 20% | 20% |
| Over $15,000 | 30% | 30% |
Source: CRA S3-F10-C3 and Regulation 103. Withholding is a prepayment — your final tax at filing is your combined federal + Nova Scotia marginal rate.
Tax on Every RRSP Withdrawal Amount (Nova Scotia, 2026)
Assumes RRSP withdrawal is your only income — e.g. retiree with no employment or CPP/OAS yet. 2026 basic personal amount shelters the first ~$16,129 federally.
| Withdrawal | Withheld | Actual tax | Effective rate | Refund / (Owing) | Net in hand |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $300 | $30 | $0 | 0.0% | $30.00 | $300 |
| $1,000 | $100 | $0 | 0.0% | $100.00 | $1,000 |
| $2,000 | $200 | $0 | 0.0% | $200.00 | $2,000 |
| $3,000 | $300 | $0 | 0.0% | $300.00 | $3,000 |
| $4,500 | $450 | $0 | 0.0% | $450.00 | $4,500 |
| $5,000 | $500 | $0 | 0.0% | $500.00 | $5,000 |
| $8,000 | $1,600 | $0 | 0.0% | $1,600.00 | $8,000 |
| $10,000 | $2,000 | $0 | 0.0% | $2,000.00 | $10,000 |
| $15,000 | $3,000 | $270 | 2.0% | $2,730.32 | $14,730 |
| $20,000 | $6,000 | $1,206 | 6.0% | $4,794.10 | $18,794 |
| $25,000 | $7,500 | $2,345 | 9.0% | $5,154.60 | $22,655 |
| $30,000 | $9,000 | $3,485 | 12.0% | $5,515.10 | $26,515 |
| $35,000 | $10,500 | $4,871 | 14.0% | $5,628.89 | $30,129 |
| $40,000 | $12,000 | $6,319 | 16.0% | $5,681.39 | $33,681 |
| $50,000 | $15,000 | $9,214 | 18.0% | $5,786.39 | $40,786 |
| $60,000 | $18,000 | $12,205 | 20.0% | $5,795.38 | $47,795 |
| $70,000 | $21,000 | $15,887 | 23.0% | $5,112.63 | $54,113 |
| $75,000 | $22,500 | $17,746 | 24.0% | $4,754.13 | $57,254 |
| $100,000 | $30,000 | $27,060 | 27.0% | $2,940.19 | $72,940 |
| $150,000 | $45,000 | $47,872 | 32.0% | ($2,872.33) | $102,128 |
| $200,000 | $60,000 | $71,680 | 36.0% | ($11,679.79) | $128,320 |
| $300,000 | $90,000 | $123,341 | 41.0% | ($33,340.51) | $176,659 |
$20,000 Withdrawal on Top of Other Income (Nova Scotia 2026)
What a $20,000 RRSP withdrawal actually costs in Nova Scotia when stacked on your existing income. Effective rate rises as marginal rate climbs into higher brackets.
Other income: $0
$1,206
6.0% effective
Withheld $6,000 → refund $4,794
Other income: $30,000
$5,729
29.0% effective
Withheld $6,000 → refund $271
Other income: $60,000
$7,400
37.0% effective
Withheld $6,000 → owe $1,400
Other income: $100,000
$7,763
39.0% effective
Withheld $6,000 → owe $1,763
Run the numbers with your exact amount, other income, and year: Open RRSP Withdrawal Tax Calculator →
RRSP Withdrawal Tax in Other Provinces
Related Calculators
Frequently asked questions
How much withholding tax is deducted on an RRSP withdrawal in Nova Scotia?
In Nova Scotia, CRA withholds federal-only at source: 10% on withdrawals up to $5,000, 20% on $5,001–$15,000, and 30% above $15,000. No provincial withholding applies — your provincial tax is settled at filing.
What is the final tax rate on an RRSP withdrawal in Nova Scotia?
The final tax equals your combined federal + Nova Scotia marginal rate times the withdrawal. With no other income in 2026, a $20,000 withdrawal actually costs $1,206 (6.0% effective). At $60,000 other income it climbs to $7,400 (37.0%).
Is RRSP withdrawal taxable income in Nova Scotia?
Yes — fully added to your taxable income for the year and taxed at your combined federal + Nova Scotia marginal rate. The withholding is a deposit, not the final bill.
Does Nova Scotia have its own RRSP withholding?
No. Nova Scotia does not have a separate withholding — only CRA withholds federally (10% / 20% / 30%). Your Nova Scotia provincial tax is calculated and settled when you file your T1 return. Quebec is the only province with a combined federal + provincial withholding.