Surplus shares

This new program exclusive to Desjardins lets members choose to receive their member dividends in the form of shares, which increases the amount.¹

You only have to register for the Surplus Shares program² once; renewal is not required. You can withdraw anytime on or before March 1 of each year.

Read the complete terms (PDF, 58 KB).

Advantages

• Your member dividends increase by 30%.³
• Possibility of getting 1.3% over the average one-year term savings rate.
• You could get a tax break if you put your shares into a RRSP.
• Can be used to pay back a Home Buyers' Plan (HBP) or Lifelong Learning Plan (LLP).
• An opportunity to contribute to the capitalization of your caisse and bolster its financial standing.

Tax savings

To get a tax refund, you have to contribute to your RRSP without going over your limit. The calculation is based on a 40% marginal tax rate.

If this is not possible, you can transfer your shares into your RRSP in exchange for liquid shares anytime during the year, tax-free.

The figures

The following example illustrates how much surplus shares could earn you.

Member dividend	30% increase	Share value	Tax savings if you contribute to an RRSP
Amount of $100	$30	$130	$52
Amount of $250	$75	$325	$130
Amount of $400	$120	$520	$208
Amount of $1,000	$300	$1,300	$520

The longer you use the Surplus Shares Program, the more you earn.

Add the 30% increase and the potential tax savings and imagine how much you could earn in 15 or 20 years!

1. Shares issued starting in 2007.
2. Each caisse approved a minimum amount per member for the initial subscription (approx. $30).
3. The increase may eventually vary. If it does, participating members will be notified. In accordance with provincial legislation, certain conditions regarding member dividends may differ in Ontario. Please contact your caisse or your Desjardins Credit Union branch for further information.