Start planning your way to a secure retirement – maximize your Group RRSP contribution! Whether your retirement is 5, 10, or 20 years or more away, you've probably already started thinking about how you would like to spend your time… and your money. The money you save today will help fund the activities you undertake in retirement. With the RRSP deadline fast approaching, you have a great opportunity to ensure you maximize your retirement savings – contribute to a Group RRSP! RRSP Contributions For the 2011 tax year, you can contribute up to $22,450 or 18% of your previous year's income to a Group RRSP. Depending on how much you have contributed to your RRSPs in the past, you may have additional contribution room carried over from previous years. To find out, check your most recent Notice of Assessment or contact the Canada Revenue Agency by visiting the website at www.cra-arc.gc.ca or calling CRA at 1-800-959-8281. The last day you can contribute to your Group RRSP in order for it to be eligible for the 2011 tax year is February 29, 2012. Making additional contributions By choosing to make additional contributions or a "top-up" contribution, you are able to maximize your contribution room and reduce the amount of income tax you pay for the 2011 tax year. You are also helping yourself by saving more money now for your retirement. How to make an additional contribution To contribute an additional amount to your Manulife Financial Group RRSP, you can simply complete a lump-sum deposit request by… Logging on to your account. Choose Make Contributions from the left menu. You will need to provide your bank account information. OR Filling out the Lump-Sum Deposit Form. Tax Receipts Here are some important details about your RRSP tax receipts from Manulife… If you contributed to your Manulife Group RRSP between March 2, 2011 and December 31, 2011, you will receive a tax receipt for this time period. If you contribute to your Manulife Group RRSP between January 1, 2012 and February 29, 2012, you will receive a tax receipt for this time period. If your plan transferred from one financial institution to another during the year, you may receive tax receipts from each institution. If you made a cash withdrawal from your Manulife Group RRSP during the calendar year 2011, a separate tax slip will be mailed by the end of January 2012. Questions? Contact Manulife's Customer Service Centre at 1-888-727-7766 or by email at gromail@manulife.com