I’m a giant fan, Grandma Wanda, of grandparents funding RESP accounts for his or her grandkids. I believe it may be a good way to assist your youngsters not directly, and it may be higher than giving pointless items to your grandkids, particularly as soon as they attain a sure age.
My mom—Nana Sue—had an RESP account for my children. When she died, I used to be capable of take over the account. So, your query is one thing I’ve considered each professionally and personally.
Who can open an RESP?
Anybody can open an RESP account, however usually it’s dad and mom or grandparents who open them for minor beneficiaries. So, you may definitely open an account, Grandma Wanda, to your nine-year-old grandson.
The account holder known as a subscriber. The subscriber wants the social insurance coverage quantity (SIN) of the beneficiary in order that the monetary establishment the place the RESP is held can apply for eligible grants and bonds annually. The SIN is used to trace the beneficiary’s eligibility for annual and lifelong grants so that you just can not double up on authorities assist.
Can you have got a number of RESP accounts?
Because of this, you may have a number of RESP accounts. A father or mother and a grandparent can every have an account for a similar grandchild, for instance. Grandparents from either side of the household may even have accounts for a similar grandchildren.
Separated or divorced spouses can have a number of RESPs, or they will divide an present RESP after they cut up up. Former spouses may also have joint RESPs at monetary establishments that permit it.
When there are a number of RESPs, the subscribers ought to coordinate to verify grants are maximized and there are not any overcontributions (that are topic to a tax penalty of 1% per thirty days). There’s a $50,000 RESP lifetime contribution restrict per RESP beneficiary. So, that is one cause to rethink opening the RESP in your title, Grandma Wanda.
How lengthy can an RESP keep open?
An RESP account can keep open for as much as 35 years, although virtually talking, most are closed inside 25 years. You possibly can solely contribute to an RESP account for 31 years after it’s opened, and grants solely apply to beneficiaries below the age of 18.