The GST/HST Credit is a crucial means of support for Canadians with small incomes. If you qualify, you could get as much as $680 (or more if you have children) in tax-free quarterly payments from the CRA. This benefit will be in place just by completing your tax every year and updating any information needed. It counts whether you’re a young adult, a family waiting to grow, or retired—every dollar counts, and this credit will cut tax burdens to bring added resourcefulness to the household budget.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Program | GST/HST Credit |
| Annual Payment | Up to $680 for couples |
| Eligibility | Canadian residents aged 19+ with low/modest income |
| Payment Dates | January 3, April 4, July 5, October 4 |
| Application | Automatic upon filing annual tax return |
| Official Resource | CRA GST/HST Credit Information |
Understanding the GST/HST Credit
A great financial assistance program for Canadians with low incomes, mainly directed to reducing the tax burden imposed upon them by the government, is the GST/HST Credit. Quarterly tax-free payments are paid to patrons and families, offsetting their taxes on goods and services payable as GST or HST. The credit calculation will be based on the adjusted family net income and the number of children under 19 years of age.
Amount to be Paid for the Year 2025
For the 2023 base year, the maximum values of the annual credits are given below. It will determine the payments from July 2024 to June 2025.
- Single persons: up to $519
- Married or common-law couples: up to $680
- Each child under 19: additional $179
Example:
A married couple with two children under 19 could obtain
- Base Amount: $680
- Children: $179 × 2 = $358
- Total annual credit: $1,038, divided into four quarterly payments.
Criteria for Eligibility
You may be able to qualify if:
- You are at least 19 years of age (or under 19 but have a spouse or common-law partner or child)
- You are a resident of Canada for tax purposes
- You must have a low or modest income (according to family net income)
- Regardless of how much income you had, filing a return was mandatory to be considered for the credit.
How likely is it that one will apply for $680 from CRA this year?
It should be noted that there is no separate application for the GST/HST credit. The CRA will consider you for the GST/HST credit automatically when you file your annual tax return.
Thus, to qualify, it is important that:
- File your tax return every year, even if the income was zero
- Update marital status and dependents’ updates to CRA
- Enrol for direct deposit for faster payments
Payment Schedule
The payment date is quarterly for GST/HST credits:
- January 3, 2025
- April 4, 2025
- July 4, 2025
- October 3, 2025
If one of the days falls on a weekend or one of the holidays, it will be made known previously before the date.
What Affects Your GST/HST Credit?
- Adjusted family net income The higher your income, the lower your credit
- Marital status may either Increase or reduce the amount
- Under 19 years of age—Increase the total you are to receive
- Changes in residency—moving in and out of Canada—change eligibility.
Provincial and Territorial Programs
Several provinces and territories have their additional credits, which may run together with the GST/HST Credit:
- Ontario-sales tax credits
- BC Climate Action Tax Credit
- Nova Scotia-affordable Living Tax Credit
FAQs:
In case of failure to finish last year’s income tax filing, what happens?
Tax filing is a prerequisite for assessing the GST/HST credit. Filing is necessary even in the absence of income.
Does the recipient have to pay income tax on GST/HST credit?
No. It is a non-taxable amount and does not constitute income.
Is a newcomer to Canada eligible?
Yes. Depending on the situation, a newcomer to Canada can apply using RC151 and RC66.
How am I receiving my payment?
Payment will be either mailed (cheque) or, if you are registered for direct deposit, it will be paid by direct deposit.
