RESP contribution limits
Updated August 26, 2026Quick answer
RESPs do not have an annual contribution limit, but there is a lifetime contribution limit of $50,000 per beneficiary across all Registered Education Savings Plans (RESPs). While you can contribute at any pace, government grants such as the Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG) are based on yearly contributions and have their own limits.
Key facts
• There is no annual contribution limit for RESPs
• The lifetime contribution limit is $50,000 per beneficiary
• Contribution limits apply across all RESPs for the same beneficiary
• Contributions are made with after-tax dollars and are not tax deductible
• Government grants such as the CESG have separate annual and lifetime limits
Is there an annual RESP contribution limit?
No.
You can contribute any amount in a given year, as long as you stay within the lifetime limit.
However, contributing very large amounts in one year may not maximize government grants, since programs like the CESG are calculated on annual contributions.
What is the lifetime contribution limit?
The total amount that can be contributed to all RESPs for one beneficiary is:
• $50,000 per beneficiary (lifetime)
This includes contributions made by all subscribers and across all RESP accounts for that child or student.
How do government grants fit in?
RESP contribution limits and grant limits are separate.
For example:
• The CESG matches 20% of your contributions each year, up to $500
• The maximum amount of CESG that a child can receive in their lifetime is $7,200
• You generally need to contribute $2,500 each year to receive the maximum annual grant
This means spreading out contributions over time may help you make better use of available grants.
What happens if you exceed the limit?
If total contributions for a beneficiary go over the $50,000 lifetime limit:
• The excess amount is considered an over-contribution
• A 1% tax per month applies to the excess amount until it is withdrawn
• The tax must be reported and paid within 90 days after the end of the year in which the excess occurred
• Each subscriber is responsible for their share of the excess and the tax owed
What happens to contribution room when contributions are withdrawn?
• Non-post-secondary education withdrawals cannot be recontributed.
• The amount withdrawn reduces the beneficiary’s remaining lifetime RESP contribution room.
Why it matters and how Embark helps
Understanding RESP contribution limits helps you plan how much and how often to contribute, especially if you want to maximize government grants over time.
Embark helps simplify this:
• You can set up and manage contributions online without needing to visit a branch
• You can apply for eligible government grants during enrolment and track them digitally.
• You can choose a contribution schedule that works for you, subject to the plan’s funding requirements.
This makes it easier to stay within limits while contributing at your own pace.
Frequently Asked Questions
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