The Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) Credit is a tax-free quarterly benefit provided by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). It’s designed to help low- and moderate-income individuals and families offset the cost of the sales taxes they pay on goods and services. In 2025, eligible Canadians can expect quarterly payments, including a mid-year increase indexed to inflation.
Knowing when payments arrive, who qualifies, and how to check your eligibility is essential for budgeting and financial planning. In this article, we’ll break down payment dates, eligibility rules, income limits, application details, and how the July 2025 increase will affect your GST/HST credit.
2025 Extra GST & HST Payment Overview
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Name | GST/HST Credit |
| 2025 Payment Dates | January 3, April 4, July 4, October 3 (quarterly payments) |
| Mid-Year Adjustment | 2.7% increase beginning July 2025 (inflation-based boost) |
| Eligibility Requirements | Must be a Canadian resident for tax purposes; meet age and income criteria |
The GST/HST credit provides essential financial relief by returning part of the taxes paid on daily purchases. It makes necessities like groceries, transportation, and household supplies more affordable for families and individuals. To get the full benefit, ensure you file your income tax return on time, keep your CRA My Account updated, and report any personal changes such as marital status or address.
Who Is Eligible for the GST/HST Credit in 2025?
To qualify for the GST/HST credit, you must meet all the following conditions:
- Be a Canadian resident for income tax purposes
- Be at least 19 years old, or:
- Have (or had) a spouse/common-law partner
- Be (or have been) a parent living with your child
- Have a net family income below the threshold set by the CRA
The income threshold depends on your household size and is updated annually. For 2025, the estimated maximum income to qualify is around $41,000 for single individuals, with higher limits for couples and families with children.
2025 GST/HST Credit Payment Amounts
The maximum amounts for the July 2024 – June 2025 benefit year are as follows:
- $519 per year for single individuals
- $680 per year for married or common-law couples (combined)
- $179 per year for each child under 19
These payments are split into four equal quarterly payments. For example, if you’re a single person eligible for the full credit, you’ll receive $129.75 every three months.
If your income exceeds the threshold, the payment is gradually reduced. Those with higher incomes may not qualify at all.
GST/HST Credit Payment Dates – 2025
The CRA issues GST/HST credit payments every three months. The scheduled 2025 payment dates are:
- January 3, 2025
- April 4, 2025
- July 4, 2025 (includes a 2.7% increase)
- October 3, 2025
If you’re registered for direct deposit, the amount will be sent straight to your bank account. Otherwise, you’ll receive a cheque by mail.
How the 2.7% Extra Payment Works in July 2025
Starting July 2025, the CRA will increase the GST/HST credit by 2.7% to reflect inflation. Here’s how that affects your payment:
- A single person will see their quarterly amount rise to approximately $133.75
- Couples and families will see proportional increases
This inflation adjustment helps maintain the credit’s value in the face of rising costs, ensuring Canadians continue to get fair support.
How to Apply for the 2025 GST/HST Credit
No separate application is required. Your annual tax return is all that’s needed for the CRA to determine eligibility.
Exceptions:
- Newcomers to Canada must complete and submit Form RC151
- Turning 19 in 2025? File a tax return for the prior year to qualify beginning in July
How to Check Your Payment Status
You can check your credit status and upcoming payments by:
- Logging into CRA My Account
- Clicking on “Benefits & Credits”
- Viewing your payment history, eligibility, and future payment dates
Common Reasons for Missing or Delayed Payments
- Tax return not filed – The CRA can’t calculate your eligibility without a return
- Change in marital status – Report marriage, separation, or divorce promptly
- Banking or address changes – Update your details to avoid payment delays
- CRA processing delays – Especially after major updates to your file
FAQs: GST/HST Credit in 2025
1. Can I receive the GST/HST credit if I have no income?
Yes. Even if you earned no income, you can still qualify – just file your tax return.
2. What if I miss a payment?
Check CRA My Account or call the CRA. You may need to update your information or reverify eligibility.
3. Will the credit increase again in 2025?
Yes, the CRA plans a 2.7% increase in July 2025 as part of its regular inflation update.
4. Is the GST/HST credit taxable?
No. It is a tax-free benefit and does not count toward your taxable income.
The GST/HST credit is a crucial support tool for millions of Canadians facing rising living expenses. Filing your taxes on time and keeping your CRA details current ensures you don’t miss out on these valuable payments, including the extra mid-year boost in July 2025.
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