Regarding taxes, you should know that as a general rule, at
death, all properties held by the deceased are allegedly sold at
fair market value and benefits of this "sale" must be added to his
income of year.
Gift to spouse
You can donate your RRSP to your spouse. The tax
will become payable when the spouse will collect these RRSP or will
be liquidated.
Deaths
Anticipate this eventuality by bequeathing by
will your RRSP and RRIFs by appointing your spouse as beneficiary.
You can also report directly to your RRSP or RRIF.
In return, you can contribute to RRSPs of the
deceased. This reduces taxable income when the RRSP is properly
inherited and that the maximum contribution was not fully used.
If this is not an elusive RRSP, you can change
the beneficiary at any time.
Gifts to heirs
The heirs with a disability can inherit the money
tax-free if they have been designated as beneficiaries in the will.
The minor heirs can receive these funds in the
form of annuities to run out in the year they turn 18. They must
have been designated as beneficiaries in the will.
No will
In the event no beneficiary is designated, the
total value of the deceased's RRSP, RRIF of his or her pension will
add to its income year of his death.
No heir or spouse
According to the instructions of the will.
Without a will:
The Public Trustee takes possession of your
RRSPs.