If Larissa were to pass away today, which of her assets would be fully taxable on her final income tax return?

Larissa is a 65-year-old retired marketing executive. She is single and has no dependents. Larissa accepted a generous retirement package from her employer five years ago and used her early retirement cash bonus to consolidate her financial affairs. She paid off mortgages on both her principal residence (a condo) and her vacation cottage. The fair market value (FMV) of the real estate increased significantly over the years. She named her sister Natalya as the sole beneficiary of her estate. In addition to the two properties, Larissa’s estate includes a registered retirement savings plan (RRSP) and shares of Apple Inc. that she purchased in her tax-free savings account (TFSA) 10 years ago.

If Larissa were to pass away today, which of her assets would be fully taxable on her final income tax return?

A. The condo.

B. The cottage.

C. The TFSA.

D. The RRSP.

View Answer

Answer: D

Explanation:

When Larissa passes away, her RRSP will be fully taxable on her final income tax return, as it is considered income in the year of death unless rolled over to a qualified beneficiary, such as a spouse. Her TFSA, on the other hand, is not taxable upon death as it passes tax-free to the beneficiary or estate. The principal residence (condo) and cottage may incur capital gains tax, but they are not fully taxable as income. Therefore, Option D, the RRSP, is correct.