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Homeโ€บCanadaโ€บGIS Calculator

GIS Calculator Canada 2025

Estimate your Guaranteed Income Supplement, compare RRSP vs TFSA impact on benefits, and check application eligibility. GIS is tax-free for low-income OAS recipients 65+.

Determines max GIS and income thresholds
$
All income except OAS: CPP, pensions, RRSP/RRIF, investments, employment
You must receive OAS to qualify for GIS
$
First $5K exempt, next $10K at 50% โ€” enter the employment portion of your income
โ€”
Estimates only. Actual GIS depends on your tax return and Service Canada assessment. GIS rates updated quarterly.

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How to Use This Calculator

Tab "GIS Estimate"

Enter your marital status, prior year income (excluding OAS), and whether you're receiving OAS. The calculator estimates your monthly GIS, combined OAS + GIS, and annual total. If you have employment income, expand "More options" to apply the employment exemption.

Tab "RRSP vs TFSA Impact"

This is the most important planning tab. Enter your other income and RRSP/RRIF withdrawal amount. The calculator shows how much GIS you lose from RRSP income vs. TFSA income. RRSP withdrawals count as income and reduce GIS at ~50 cents per dollar. TFSA withdrawals are invisible to GIS.

Tab "Application"

Check your eligibility status based on age, OAS status, and tax filing. See whether you may be auto-enrolled and what to do if your income changes mid-year.

The Formula

GIS income test:
Monthly GIS = Max GIS โˆ’ (countable income ร— 50% รท 12)

Max GIS (Q1 2026):
Single/Widowed: ~$1,086.88/month
Couple (both OAS): ~$654.23/month each

Income cutoffs:
Single: ~$21,624/year (income excluding OAS)
Couple: ~$28,560/year combined

Employment income exemption:
First $5,000: fully exempt (not counted)
Next $10,000: 50% exempt ($5,000 counted)
Above $15,000: fully counted

Key rules:
โ€ข OAS payments are NOT counted as income for GIS
โ€ข RRSP/RRIF withdrawals ARE counted as income
โ€ข TFSA withdrawals are NOT counted as income
โ€ข GIS is income-tested, NOT asset-tested
โ€ข GIS is TAX-FREE

Example

Margaret โ€” Single Retiree, Age 68, Comparing RRSP vs TFSA

Margaret receives OAS and has $4,000/year from CPP. She needs an extra $8,000/year from savings. Let's compare RRSP vs TFSA.

CPP income$4,000/year
Additional savings withdrawal$8,000/year

Scenario A: $8,000 from RRSP

Countable income$12,000 ($4K CPP + $8K RRSP)
Monthly GIS~$587/mo
Tax on RRSP (~15%)โˆ’$1,200
Annual GIS~$7,044

Scenario B: $8,000 from TFSA

Countable income$4,000 (CPP only โ€” TFSA invisible)
Monthly GIS~$920/mo
Tax on TFSA$0
Annual GIS~$11,040

The Difference

Extra GIS from using TFSA~$3,996/year
Tax savings~$1,200/year
Total benefit of TFSA over RRSP~$5,196/year

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. GIS is income-tested, NOT asset-tested. You can have $1 million in a TFSA, own a home, and have other assets โ€” and still receive full GIS if your income is below the threshold. Only the income from those assets matters (and TFSA income doesn't count).
RRSP/RRIF withdrawals are taxable income and reduce GIS by ~50 cents per dollar. TFSA withdrawals are not income and don't affect GIS at all. For a GIS-eligible retiree, every $1 from RRSP costs ~$0.65 in tax + GIS loss, while $1 from TFSA costs nothing. If you're years from retirement, consider shifting future contributions from RRSP to TFSA.
If both spouses receive OAS, each can receive up to ~$654/month in GIS. The income test uses combined household income with a cutoff of ~$28,560/year. If only one spouse is an OAS pensioner and the other is 60-64, the non-pensioner may qualify for the Allowance. Both spouses must file tax returns.
If you file your annual tax return, Service Canada may automatically enroll you. GIS renews each year based on your prior year return โ€” so filing every year is essential. If you weren't auto-enrolled, you can apply using form ISP-3025. Apply even if you're unsure โ€” there's no penalty for applying.
If you retire, lose a job, or a pension stops during the year, you don't have to wait until next year. You can submit form ISP-3041 to request GIS based on your estimated current year income instead of last year's. This can start or increase your GIS payments within the same year.

Related Calculators

๐Ÿ›๏ธ OAS Calculator
Old Age Security pension and clawback estimate.
๐Ÿ“Š CPP Calculator
Canada Pension Plan benefits at different ages.
๐Ÿ“ˆ RRIF Calculator
Minimum withdrawals and income projections.
๐Ÿ’ฐ RRSP Calculator
RRSP contribution room and tax savings.
๐Ÿฆ TFSA Calculator
Tax-free growth and contribution room.
๐ŸŽฏ Retirement Calculator
Full retirement income planning for Canada.

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