RESP rules in plain language

A simplified map of the main government RESP rules and where to confirm each one.

A plain-language explanation of basic CESG, additional CESG, carry-forward room, and age rules.

A plain-language explanation of the 2026 Additional CESG income brackets, how much extra grant they can add, and which family-income caveats to check.

A plain-language explanation of how unused CESG room carries forward, how much catch-up grant can be paid in one year, and which limits still apply.

A plain-language explanation of the $7,200 lifetime CESG cap, what counts toward it, and why families should track the cap across all RESPs for the same beneficiary.

A plain-language explanation of how to choose an RESP type, open the plan, and avoid common setup mistakes.

A plain-language explanation of who can open an RESP as subscriber, when joint subscribers are allowed, and when someone else can take over later.

A plain-language explanation of when adults can open RESPs for themselves, how adult beneficiaries work, and why 18-to-20 Canada Learning Bond timing matters.

A plain-language explanation of CLB and why eligible families should ask providers about it.

A plain-language explanation of Canada Learning Bond automatic enrolment, notification letters, opt-out timing, and what families can still do before 2028.

A plain-language explanation of the contribution-history rule that decides whether CESG can still be paid at ages 16 and 17.

A plain-language explanation of adding a child to a family RESP, replacing a beneficiary, and when grant repayment or over-contribution risk can appear.

A simplified explanation of contribution withdrawals, educational assistance payments, and unused RESP funds.

A plain-language explanation of when subscriber contributions can come out tax-free, when grant repayment still happens, and why early withdrawals can block additional CESG later.

A plain-language explanation of who can receive Educational Assistance Payments, how the first-withdrawal and annual threshold rules work, and what records to keep for reasonable education expenses.

A plain-language explanation of when Educational Assistance Payments can still be made for up to six months after a student stops being enrolled.

A plain-language explanation of which RESP withdrawals show up on a T4A, whose tax return they belong on, and which contribution refunds are not reported as income.

A plain-language explanation of when a school and program can support RESP education withdrawals, including part-time, trade, distance, and foreign-school examples.

A plain-language explanation of the $50,000 lifetime cap, 1% monthly tax, and how to fix an RESP over-contribution.

A plain-language explanation of RESP-to-RESP transfers, sibling transfer traps, grant repayment risk, and when leftover RESP earnings can move to an RRSP or RDSP.

A plain-language explanation of how long an RESP can accept contributions, how long it can stay open, and why transfers can carry an older clock into a new provider.

A plain-language explanation of the one-time $1,200 BCTESG, who can apply, and how families usually miss it.

A plain-language explanation of QESI, how much it can add, who qualifies, and why provider support matters.

A plain-language explanation of why Saskatchewan's former RESP grant is historical, how to read old SAGES references, and what Saskatchewan families should check instead.

A plain-language explanation of what the official RESP promoter list tells you, what it does not tell you, and how to use it before opening or moving an RESP.

A plain-language explanation of when leftover RESP growth can be paid out as an AIP, how it is taxed, and when an RRSP transfer may reduce the hit.