Are there tax-free savings accounts in the US?

Asked by: Loraine Jacobson  |  Last update: December 19, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (38 votes)

TFSAs, or Tax-Free Savings Accounts, can be excellent tax-sheltered accounts that allow contributed funds to grow tax-free. That means no taxes on interest earnings, dividends, or capital gains. What's more, funds can be withdrawn at any time without penalty for account holders.

What is the US equivalent of a TFSA?

The Canadian Registered Retirement Savings Plans and the Tax-Free Savings Account are similar to U.S. traditional and Roth IRAs. Canadian retirement accounts have more generous contribution limits and fewer distribution limits than American accounts.

Does America have a tax-free savings account?

[36] TFSAs are a type of universal savings account, in which individuals 18 or older can make contributions on an after-tax basis (i.e., non-deductible), earnings grow tax-free, and withdrawals can be made for any reason without triggering additional taxes or penalties.

What is the downside of a TFSA account?

Unfortunately, TFSA contributions can't be used to lower your taxable income. This means there is no way to decrease your income tax when contributing to a TFSA. For high income earners this makes an RRSP more appealing.

How can I avoid tax on my US savings account?

Savings vehicles, including tax-advantaged retirement accounts and education savings accounts, provide ways to cut the taxes on your savings. Some of these accounts let you contribute pre-tax money. Others let your money grow tax-free. Municipal bonds can be tax-free as well.

TFSA, Explained - Everything You Need To Know About The Tax Free Savings Account For Beginners

29 related questions found

What is the best tax-free savings account?

What is the best tax-free savings account for me?
  • Stocks & Shares ISA – to help you put a little away for the medium to long term.
  • Lifetime ISA – to help you save towards your first home or your retirement.
  • Junior ISA – to help you save for your child's future.

How can I leave the US and not pay taxes?

As a green card holder or U.S. citizen, you must file a U.S. income tax return while working and living abroad unless you abandon your green card holder status by filing Form I-407, with the U.S. Citizen & Immigration Service, or you renounce your U.S. citizenship under certain circumstances described in the ...

What's the catch with a tax-free savings account?

At any time in the year, if you contribute more than your available TFSA contribution room you will have to pay a tax equal to 1% of the highest excess TFSA amount in the month, for each month that the excess amount stays in your account.

How much money can you have in your savings account without being taxed?

Banks are required to report Cash deposits of more than 10L in a financial year (regardless of no. of installments) Cash or transfers you get from your parents, siblings and spouse is tax-free regardless of amount. There's no limit to how much funds you can have in a savings account.

What happens when you lose money in TFSA?

How does an investment loss in my TFSA impact contribution room? * Losses within your TFSA do not affect your TFSA contribution room. What does affect your TFSA contribution room are withdrawals from your TFSA. It won't affect this year's contribution room, but it will affect next year's contribution room.

What is the best tax-free investment?

7 Tax-Free Investments to Consider for Your Portfolio
  • What Is Tax-Efficient and Tax-Free Investing?
  • Municipal Bonds.
  • Tax-Exempt Mutual Funds.
  • Tax-Exempt Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)
  • Indexed Universal Life (IUL) Insurance.
  • Roth IRAs and Roth 401(k)s.
  • Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)
  • 529 College Savings Plans.

Is a Roth IRA the same as a TFSA?

The Canadian equivalent of a Roth IRA is a TFSA. Although the plans have differences, there are significant similarities. A Roth IRA and a TFSA are funded with after-tax dollars, and the growth and income earned in the account can be free from taxation if the rules are followed.

Should a US citizen open a TFSA?

TFSA – Although the income earned in a TFSA is tax- free for Canadian tax purposes, the income earned is taxable for US income tax purposes and may therefore not always be a recommended investment vehicle for a US citizen.

Can I keep my TFSA if I move to the US?

When you move to the U.S., you are allowed to keep your TFSA. Assets in your TFSA are not subject to departure tax, and earnings in the account, as well as withdrawals, will still be tax-free for Canadian tax purposes.

Does the IRS check your savings account?

The Short Answer: Yes. Share: The IRS probably already knows about many of your financial accounts, and the IRS can get information on how much is there. But, in reality, the IRS rarely digs deeper into your bank and financial accounts unless you're being audited or the IRS is collecting back taxes from you.

Does money grow in tax-free savings account?

A TFSA is a versatile way to save for a variety of financial goals. Your money grows tax-free while it stays in the account. Most types of investments can be held in a TFSA, including Guaranteed Investment.

How do I avoid paying taxes on my savings account?

Certain types of accounts, such as traditional and Roth individual retirement accounts (IRAs), allow the interest on savings to accrue tax-deferred. You don't have to report the earnings on a tax-advantaged retirement account as taxable income from year to year.

What are the disadvantages of a tax-free savings account?

Disadvantages: No tax deductions: The biggest drawback of a TFSA, is that your contributions are made with after-tax dollars and are not tax deductible, unlike the FHSA and RRSP.

How much money can I keep in my bank account without tax?

Financial institutions are required to report large deposits of over $10,000.

Is there a TFSA in the USA?

A TFSA isn't considered tax-free in the U.S., so U.S. persons must pay U.S. income taxes annually on the account's income and capital gains. Information disclosures are also necessary.

How do I opt out of taxes legally?

You can legally avoid paying taxes on some or all of your income by:
  1. Taking advantage of a self-employment tax deduction scheme.
  2. Deducting business expenses from your gross income on your tax return.
  3. Contributing to a retirement plan and a Health Savings Account (HSA).
  4. Donating to charity.
  5. Claiming child tax credits.

What is the USA exit tax?

Under Sec. 877A, a U.S. exit tax may apply to individuals who relinquish their U.S. citizenship or are long-term residents who cease to be a U.S. permanent resident. The tax is designed to make sure that all unpaid taxes are settled before a U.S. citizen or resident withdraws from the U.S. tax system.

Can a U.S. citizen not pay taxes?

Income Tax Today:

Most states also maintain an income tax, while some do not. However, all residents and all citizens of the United States are subject to the federal income tax. Not everyone, however, must file a tax return . The requirements for filing are found in 26 U.S.C.