If, in a calendar year, the RRSP or RRIF trust acquires a prohibited investment or if previously acquired property becomes prohibited, the investment will be subject to a special tax equal to 50% of the fair market value (FMV) of the investment, and the annuitant must file Form RC339, Individual Return for Certain Taxes for RRSPs, RRIFs, RESPs or RDSPs, with a payment for any balance due, no later than June 30 following the end of the calendar year.

If the prohibited investment ceases to be a prohibited investment while it is held by the trust, the trust is considered to have disposed of and immediately re-acquired the property at its FMV.

The tax is refundable in certain circumstances. For more information, see Refund of taxes paid on non-qualified or prohibited investments.

The annuitant is also liable for the 100% advantage tax on income earned and capital gains realized on prohibited investments.

The 100% advantage tax applies to income earned, and the portion of any realized capital gain regardless of when the prohibited investment generating the income or gain was acquired.

An annuitant subject to this tax is required to file Form RC339, Individual Return for Certain Taxes for RRSPs, RRIFs, RESPs or RDSPs. The return must be filed no later than June 30 of the following year. Any tax owing must also be paid by that date. For payment remittance options, see Payments to the CRA.

If you determine that a particular non-qualified investment held by your RRSP or RRIF trust is also a prohibited investment for the trust, contact your plan issuer or carrier.

Forms and publications

• Form RC339, Individual Return for Certain Taxes for RRSPs, RRIFs, RESPs or RDSPs
• Income Tax Folio S3-F10-C2, Prohibited Investments – RRSPs, RESPs, RRIFs, RDSPs and TFSAs