Tax on RRSP/RRIF’s at Death – Does the Estate or RRSP/RRIF beneficiary pay?

General tax treatement of RRSP/RRIF’s upon death and the liability for those taxes is discussed.

The fair market value of your RRSP/RRIF account is included in income on your Date of Death T1. I am often asked who is responsible to pay the income taxes relating to the RRSP/RRIF – the Estate or the designated beneficiary of the RRSP/RRIF?