TFSA Contribution Limit Estimator

Estimate future TFSA contribution limits using the official CRA formula based on CPI inflation indexing. See 5-year projections and historical comparisons.

Estimation Parameters

Year to estimate TFSA contribution limit

2.2%
0%
2.2%
5%
10%

Used to project CPI for future years. Historical median: 2.2%

Important Notes:

  • TFSA limit for year Y is based on PREVIOUS year's CPI (year Y-1)
  • Formula: $5,000 × (CPI[Y-1] / CPI[2009]), rounded to nearest $500
  • Limits cannot decrease year-over-year (legislative constraint)
  • CPI data updated from Bank of Canada
  • Future CPI values are projections based on assumed inflation rate
  • Government can override the formula (happened once in 2015 with $10,000 limit)
  • Official limits announced by CRA typically in late fall for the following year
  • This is an educational tool only - not financial advice

Data Sources & Legislation:

About This Calculator

v1.0
Updated: October 2025

This calculator demonstrates how future Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) contribution limits are calculated using the official Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) formula. The TFSA annual contribution limit is determined by taking the $5,000 base amount from 2009, indexing it to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), and rounding to the nearest $500. This calculator uses historical CPI data from Statistics Canada (Table 18-10-0005-01, 2002=100 base year) to show both past actual limits and future projections. The tool reveals why TFSA limits sometimes remain unchanged for multiple years - when CPI inflation doesn't push the indexed amount past the next $500 threshold, the limit stays flat. For example, if the indexed amount is $7,200, it rounds down to $7,000, and it would need to reach $7,250 before rounding up to $7,500. The calculator also identifies historical political overrides, such as the 2015 decision to set the limit at $10,000 instead of the formula-calculated $5,500. Users can project limits for any future year by adjusting the assumed inflation rate, allowing exploration of how different economic scenarios might affect TFSA contribution room. The 5-year projection table shows the step-by-step calculation for each year, including CPI values, indexed amounts, and the final rounded limits.

Key Features

  • Calculate estimated TFSA limits for any year from 2009 to 2100
  • Uses official CRA formula: $5,000 base indexed to CPI, rounded to nearest $500
  • Historical CPI data from Statistics Canada for accurate past projections
  • 5-year forward projection with adjustable inflation assumptions
  • Comparison of formula-based estimates vs actual announced limits
  • Detection and highlighting of political overrides (e.g., 2015's $10,000 limit)
  • Step-by-step formula breakdown showing CPI indexing calculation
  • Comprehensive data table with CPI values, indexed amounts, and status indicators

When to Use This Calculator

  • Estimating the 2026, 2027, and 2028 TFSA contribution limits
  • Understanding why limits plateau during low-inflation periods
  • Comparing formula predictions to actual historical limits
  • Exploring how different inflation scenarios affect future limits
  • Analyzing the impact of CPI changes on TFSA contribution room
  • Identifying years where political decisions overrode the formula
Free to Use
Canadian-Specific
No Registration Required
Real-Time Calculations