The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has confirmed the continuation of the Goods and Services Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax (GST/HST) credit program for 2025, providing financial relief to low- and modest-income individuals and families. This tax-free quarterly payment aims to offset the GST or HST paid on goods and services. For the payment period from July 2024 to June 2025, eligible Canadians can receive up to $519 if single, $680 if married or in a common-law partnership, and $179 for each child under 19 years of age .(Rhome Veterans, Canada.ca)
Overview of the GST/HST Credit Program
The GST/HST credit is a non-taxable benefit designed to assist individuals and families with low or modest incomes in offsetting the GST or HST they pay. Payments are issued quarterly and are based on the previous year’s tax return. For the 2025 payment period, the CRA uses information from the 2023 tax return to determine eligibility and payment amounts .(TurboTax Canada, Spring Financial, Canada.ca)
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the GST/HST credit in 2025, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Residency: Must be a Canadian resident for income tax purposes.
- Age: Must be at least 19 years old.
- Income: Adjusted family net income must be below the thresholds set by the CRA, which vary based on marital status and number of children .(NerdWallet, Rhome Veterans, Canada.ca)
Individuals under 19 may also qualify if they have (or had) a spouse or common-law partner or are (or were) a parent and live (or lived) with their child .(Spring Financial)
Payment Schedule for 2025
The CRA issues GST/HST credit payments quarterly. For the 2025 payment period, the scheduled dates are:(Rhome Veterans)
- January 3, 2025
- April 4, 2025
- July 4, 2025
- October 3, 2025
If the total annual credit is less than $50, the CRA may issue the full amount as a one-time payment on the first scheduled date .(Canada.ca)
Payment Amounts
The amount received depends on the individual’s family situation and adjusted net income. For the 2023 base year (payments from July 2024 to June 2025), the maximum annual amounts are:(Global News, Canada.ca)
- Single individual: $519
- Married or common-law partners: $680
- Each child under 19: $179
These amounts decrease as family net income increases beyond certain thresholds .
Impact on Canadian Households
The GST/HST credit provides essential financial support, helping recipients manage daily expenses such as groceries, utilities, and transportation. By reducing the tax burden, the credit contributes to improved financial stability for eligible households.
How to Ensure Receipt of the Credit
To receive the GST/HST credit:
- File Your Tax Return: Even if you have no income, filing your tax return is necessary for the CRA to assess your eligibility.
- Keep Information Updated: Inform the CRA of any changes in marital status, number of children, or address to ensure accurate payment calculations.
- Set Up Direct Deposit: This ensures timely and secure receipt of payments.(Rhome Veterans)
Official Resources
For more information or to manage your benefits:
- CRA GST/HST Credit Information: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/child-family-benefits/gsthstc-amount.html
- CRA My Account: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/e-services/e-services-individuals/account-individuals.html(Canada.ca)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Do I need to apply separately for the GST/HST credit?
Ans. No. Eligibility is automatically assessed when you file your annual tax return.(Rhome Veterans)
Q2: What happens if I don’t file my tax return?
Ans. You will not receive the GST/HST credit. Filing your tax return is essential for the CRA to determine your eligibility.
Q3: Can newcomers to Canada receive the GST/HST credit?
Ans. Yes, but they must complete specific forms and meet residency and income criteria.(TurboTax Canada)
Q4: Will changes in my family situation affect my credit?
Ans. Yes. Changes in marital status, number of children, or income can impact the amount you receive. It’s important to update the CRA with any changes.(Canada.ca)
Q5: Is the GST/HST credit taxable?
Ans. No. The GST/HST credit is a non-taxable benefit and does not need to be reported as income.
For personalized estimates, you can use the CRA’s Child and Family Benefits Calculator: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/child-family-benefits/child-family-benefits-calculator.html(Canada.ca)
Stay informed and ensure your information is up to date to make the most of the GST/HST credit program.
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