Deferred profit sharing plan (DPSP) lump-sum payments

If you receive any of the types of payments listed below (for example in cash or by cheque), you have to include them in your income for the year you receive them and you cannot transfer them tax-free. Therefore, if you want to transfer these amounts tax-free to another registered plan or fund, make sure you inform the payer to transfer them directly.

Amounts cannot be transferred to an RRSP if you were over 71 years old at the end of the year.

The following amounts can be transferred directly to another DPSP, an RPP, an RRSP, or, (under proposed changes) a RRIF:

• a DPSP lump-sum payment that you are entitled to receive from your DPSP;
• a DPSP lump-sum payment that you receive from your current spouse's DPSP or common-law partner's DPSP because he or she died;
• a DPSP lump-sum payment that you receive from your former spouse's DPSP or common-law partner's DPSP because he or she died; or
• under proposed changes, a DPSP lump-sum payment that you receive under a court order or written agreement relating to a division of property between you and your current or former spouse or common-law partner in settlement of rights arising from the breakdown of your relationship.

You and the RRSP issuer should complete and submit Form T2151, Direct Transfer of a Single Amount Under Subsection 147(19) or Section 147.3. You do not have to use this form. The institution that transfers your payment may use other documentation to record the transfer. The institution has to provide you with confirmation of the details of the transfer.

Completing your tax return

If you transferred the amount directly, do not claim a deduction for the amount transferred and do not include the payment in income.

However, if you received the lump-sum payment in cash or by cheque before making the transfer, the transfer is not tax free. Report the payment on line 130 of your return in the year the payment is received.

To find out how much you can deduct, see How much can I contribute and deduct?