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 2009 tax year, you can contribute up to $21,000 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 pervious 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 2009 tax year is March 1, 2010. 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 2009 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… Log on to your account. Choose Make Contributions from the left nav bar. You will need to provide your bank account information. OR Fill out the Lump-Sum Deposit Form. Want to contribute but don't have the money right now? If you'd like to contribute to your Group RRSP but don't have the money for a lump sum payment right now, consider taking out an RRSP Loan from Manulife Bank. It's a great way to keep your RRSP savings on track. Review the program features and apply. Tax Receipts Here are some important details about your RRSP tax receipts from Manulife… If you contributed to your Manulife Group RRSP between March 3, 2009 and December 31, 2009, you will receive a tax receipt for this time period. If you contribute to your Manulife Group RRSP between January 1, 2010 and March 1, 2010, 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 2009, a separate tax slip will be mailed by the end of January. Questions? Contact Manulife's Customer Service Centre at 1-888-727-7766 or by email at gromail@manulife.com