Use the checks below to confirm whether the answer fits the family, provider, and school situation.
Prepare documents and questions before requesting RESP withdrawals for school.
Contribution withdrawals may be allowed at any time under some plan terms, but the better question is what happens after the withdrawal. CRA says contribution refunds can be made tax-free, subject to the terms and conditions of the RESP.
Canada.ca also says withdrawing contributions normally requires CESG repayment unless specific exceptions apply. ESDC's technical material adds that contribution withdrawals before a beneficiary is eligible for an EAP can trigger CESG repayment and can affect additional CESG eligibility for a period.
So the safe answer is: maybe, but ask the provider about grant repayment and future grant impact before withdrawing.
How to check this rule
Details that matter
Plan terms apply
The RESP contract can affect timing, forms, and fees.
Grant repayment risk
Contribution withdrawals can cause CESG or provincial incentive repayment.
No T4A for contributions
CRA says promoters do not issue a T4A for contribution refunds.
Timing matters
Withdrawing before school eligibility can be much different from withdrawing once an EAP is available.
Example
Example: A subscriber withdraws contributions while the child is still in high school. The refund itself may be tax-free, but the provider may need to repay some CESG because no beneficiary is eligible for an EAP yet.
Questions to ask your provider
Does this plan allow contribution withdrawals now?
Would this withdrawal trigger grant repayment?
Would it affect additional CESG eligibility?
Would any pending grant be reversed?
Will I receive written confirmation of the bucket withdrawn?
Read next
Parent control over an RESP explains the broader decision and links to related tools.
Tool next step
RESP Withdrawal Checklist can help estimate the practical contribution choices before you confirm eligibility with the promoter.
Provider next step
RESP Provider Checklist helps you compare promoters on grant support, fees, and withdrawal process before opening or moving an RESP.