Features
Drive Growth & Retention: The Independent Direct Group RRSP
A flexible, employee-driven Group RRSP that delivers real investment freedom with minimal admin and full investment choice.
Challenge
The Challenges
The Talent War
Strong retirement benefits are now a top decision factor.
Employee Stress
Financial worries reduce productivity and engagement.
Retention Risk
Weak benefits packages drive employees to look elsewhere.
Solution
A simple, cost-effective Group RRSP built for today’s workforce, not yesterday’s pension model.
The Independent Direct Group RRSP: A cost-effective, easy-to-manage retirement plan that becomes a cornerstone of your
compensation strategy.
Employer Advantages
- Low administrative burden
- Predictable budgeting
- Immediate vesting encourages retention
Employee Advantages
- Full self-directed investing
- Immediate tax savings each pay cycle
- Broad investment access
Employer Benefits
Why partner with Independent Direct as an employer?
Attract & Retain Top Talent
- Competitive edge with stronger retirement benefits
- Matching incentives improve retention
- Reduced financial stress boosts productivity
Financial Efficiency
- Employer contributions are tax-deductible
- Lower overhead vs. traditional plans
- Predictable budgeting + alternative to cash bonuses
Administrative Simplicity
- Seamless payroll integration
- Single template per pay period
- No fund management or suitability obligations
Flexibility & Control
- Set match rates precisely (50%, 100%, 150%, or fixed dollar)
- Offer no-match plans with deduction-at-source
- Apply vesting schedules to enhance retention
Employee Benefits
Get the tools to build real wealth, without limiting employee investment choices.
Supercharge Savings
- Low administrative burden
- Immediate Tax Relief
- The "Free Money" Effect
Matching contributions provide an instant return.
The Independent Direct Difference
- Unrestricted access to stocks, ETFs, and options across US & Canadian markets
- Choose Express (simplified) or Quantum (active trading)
- No hidden fees
- Retain full RRSP access for HBP & LLP programs
- Centralize all investment accounts on one modern platform
Simple Employer Administration
Effortless setup & ongoing management in 3 easy steps
Step 1
We simplify:
Simple funding Bill Pay. Wire, or Cheque on a recumng basts
Step 2
We simplify:
Single file, single transfer. Eliminates manual entry for employee allocations
Step 3
We simplify:
24/7 access to view, trade. adjust investments, and track growth
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is an RRSP?
An RRSP (Registered Retirement Savings Plan) is a Canadian government-approved savings plan designed to help you prepare for retirement by offering two key tax advantages. Any money you contribute reduces your taxable income in the current year, giving you an immediate tax break. Furthermore, your investments grow tax-free until you withdraw the funds, typically when you retire.
What is a Group RRSP?
A Group RRSP is a collection of individual plan member RRSPs administered together under a single employer-sponsored program. Unlike a Registered Pension Plan (RPP), there’s no legislative requirement for employers to contribute, though many choose to offer matching programs to attract and retain talent.
How does employer matching work?
Employers can choose to match employee contributions at whatever rate works for their business (e.g., 50%, 100%, or a fixed amount). These matched contributions are immediately vested in the employee’s name, meaning employees own them right away and can take them if they leave the company.
What makes Independent Direct different from traditional providers?
Unlike traditional Group RRSPs that limit you to a pre-selected list of mutual funds, Independent Direct gives employees full self-directed control. They can invest in stocks, ETFs, and options across US and Canadian markets, with industry-leading execution speeds and lower fees.
Can employees access their funds for major life events?
Yes! Employees maintain full access to their RRSP funds for the Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP) to purchase a first home, and the Lifelong Learning Plan (LLP) for education expenses, just like any individual RRSP.
How are contributions made?
Contributions are automatically deducted from employee paycheques through payroll integration. Employees enjoy immediate tax relief on every paycheque rather than waiting for an annual tax refund. Employers simply fund a corporate holding account and submit a single contribution file each pay period.
What are the tax benefits?
Employee contributions are tax-deductible, and investment earnings grow tax-sheltered until withdrawal at retirement. Employer contributions are typically tax-deductible as a business expense. Employees see immediate tax savings on each paycheque through reduced withholding.
How much can I contribute?
RRSP contribution limits are set by the Canadian Revenue Agency where in 2025 you can contribute 18% of last year’s income up to a limit of $32,490.
What happens if I withdraw from RRSP before I retire?
Withdrawing funds early from an RRSP has two main tax consequences: first, the financial institution is required to deduct a withholding tax of 10% to 30% upfront, depending on the amount. Second, the entire withdrawal must be added to your regular income for the year, which could push you into a higher tax bracket and result in a larger tax bill when you file.
What type of investments are available in a RRSP?
An RRSP is highly versatile and can hold a wide range of “qualified investments,” which are set by the Canada Revenue Agency. Common examples include guaranteed investment certificates (GICs), mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), government and corporate bonds, and individual stocks listed on a major stock exchange.
Does my group plan offer a spousal RRSP?
Yes, Independent Direct offers a spousal RRSP, but it will be at the discretion of the employer if it will be offered in your Group RRSP.
What happens to my RRSP when I retire?
You may maintain your RRSP when you retire. Notably, by the end of the calendar year of which you turn 71, your RRSP but be converted into a Retirement Income Fund.
What is the difference between a TFSA and RRSP?
The main difference between an RRSP and a TFSA is the timing of taxes. An RRSP offers a tax deduction on contributions now, deferring the tax until withdrawal in retirement. A TFSA uses after-tax money for contributions, but all investment growth and subsequent withdrawals are entirely tax-free.
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This material is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy any financial product. Independent Direct does not provide legal or tax advice. Clients should consult with their own legal and tax advisors regarding their specific circumstances.
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