From CRA's pamphlet regarding TFSA:http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/E/pub/tg/rc4466/rc4466-e.html
Example 1
In 2009, Sarah contributed $5,000 to her TFSA. In 2010, she makes another $5,000 contribution to her TFSA. Later that year, she withdraws $3,000 for a trip to Europe. Unfortunately, her plans change and she cannot go. Since Sarah already contributed the maximum to her TFSA earlier in the year, she has no TFSA contribution room left. If she wishes to re-contribute part or all of the $3,000, she will have to wait until the beginning of 2011 to do so. If she re-contributes before 2011, she will have an excess amount in her TFSA and will be charged a monthly tax of 1% on the highest excess TFSA amount for each month that an excess exists in the account.
Example 2
In 2009, Carl is allowed to contribute $5,000. He contributes $2,000 for that year.
2009 TFSA dollar limit: ............................................................... $5,000 2009 contributions: .................................................................- $2,000 Unused TFSA contribution room
available for future years ................................................................ $3,000
In 2010, Carl does not contribute to his TFSA, but he makes a $1,000 withdrawal from his account.
2009 unused TFSA contribution room ...................................... $3,000 2010 TFSA dollar limit ............................................................+ $5,000 2010 unused TFSA contribution room
available for future years ........................................................... $8,000
Carl's unused TFSA contribution room for 2011
2010 unused TFSA contribution room ................................................................................................ $8,000 2010 withdrawal ......................................................................+ $1,000 2011 TFSA dollar limit ............................................................+ $5,000 2011 Unused TFSA contribution room at the beginning of 2011....................................................... $14,000------
So I tend to agree that the you could deposit $500 + $15000 + $5000 back to TFSA for the next calendar year without penality, however it's only hypothetical, I doubt you would get even 100% return to the initial 5k investment, so in reality, I don't think this will be an issue. But as it is clearly stated in another example in the above CRA handout:
Investment income earned by, and/or changes in the value of TFSA investments will not affect your TFSA contribution room for the current or future years.
Example
John was eager to open his TFSA. He contributed the full $5,000 on January 2, 2009. On the advice of his broker, he had opened a self-directed TFSA and invested in stocks that over performed the market. By the end of 2009, the value in John’s TFSA had increased in value to $6,800. John was worried that for 2010 he would only be able to contribute $3,200 (the TFSA dollar limit of $5,000 for 2010 less the $1,800 increase in value in his TFSA through 2009). Neither the earnings generated in the account nor the increase in its value will reduce the TFSA contribution room in the following year, so John can contribute up to another $5,000 in 2010 to his TFSA.
I would also suggest to take a look at Gord Pape's book on TFSA. He would have covered all scenarios.
now the question is : that 1000$ is the money he made or not?
if it is not then we still not sure what is the right answer