Over-contributing to RRSP vs TFSA. Which is worse?

Putting too much into a registered account triggers a penalty, but the rules aren't identical for RRSPs and TFSAs, and the difference is worth understanding before it costs you. This piece compares the two. Both charge the same monthly penalty on the excess, so the sting is similar, but an RRSP gives you a small cushion above your limit before any penalty applies, while a TFSA offers no such grace. The other catch is recovery: TFSA room comes back the year after a withdrawal, whereas RRSP room, once used, is gone for good. The column also notes the odd cases where deliberately nudging past an RRSP limit can make sense. For anyone who has slipped over a contribution ceiling or fears they might, it lays out the mechanics clearly and explains why the TFSA tends to be the less forgiving place to make the mistake.