Good news for Canadian households watching their budgets: While the federal GST/HST tax rate stays steady, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is boosting the GST/HST credit starting July 2025. This tax-free quarterly payment helps low- and modest-income families offset the impact of GST or HST on everyday purchases. Based on your 2024 tax return, you could see up to $533 as a single filer or more with a family—delivered directly to your bank or by check. With payments kicking off in early 2025, here’s your go-to guide on the updates, who qualifies, schedules, and how to lock in your share.
What’s Changing with the GST/HST Credit in 2025?
The GST/HST credit isn’t a tax hike—it’s a smart support boost. The CRA is increasing maximum amounts for the July 2025–June 2026 benefit year to better tackle rising costs. These payments are non-taxable and come in four quarterly chunks (or a lump sum if under $200 total). No extra forms for most folks; just file your taxes on time to stay in the loop. It’s all about putting cash back in your pocket for groceries, bills, or whatever keeps life rolling.
Who Qualifies for the Enhanced Credits?
Eligibility is straightforward and income-based, pulled straight from your 2024 tax return. You need to:
- Be a Canadian resident for tax purposes.
- Be at least 19 (or younger if married/common-law or a parent living with a child under 19).
- Have an adjusted family net income below key thresholds (e.g., $52,255 for singles; varies for families—couples with four kids phase out above $69,015).
The CRA auto-checks your status yearly after you file. Even if your income’s low or zero, submit that return—it’s your ticket to the payout and other perks like the Canada Child Benefit.
New Credit Amounts for 2025–2026
For the upcoming year, max credits look like this (per benefit year, split quarterly):
- Single Individual: $533
- Married/Common-Law Couple: $698
- Per Child Under 19: $184 each
Family examples:
- Single parent with one kid: Up to $717 ($533 + $184)
- Couple with two kids: Up to $1,066 ($698 + $184 × 2)
Amounts taper off as income rises, so your exact figure depends on your situation. Pro tip: Update marital status or kids’ info on your return for the biggest boost.
2025 CRA Payment Schedule
Payments hit on the fifth of the month (or the prior business day if it’s a holiday/weekend). Here’s the lineup for the July 2024–June 2025 cycle wrapping up, plus the new one’s start:
| Payment Quarter | Date |
|---|---|
| January 2025 | January 3, 2025 |
| April 2025 | April 4, 2025 |
| July 2025 | July 4, 2025 |
| October 2025 | October 3, 2025 |
Small totals (<$200) drop as a one-time July hit. Direct deposit? Lightning-fast. Check? Give it 10 business days to arrive.
How to Apply, Update, and Avoid Delays
Most Canadians are auto-enrolled—just file your 2024 taxes by April 30, 2025 (or June 15 for self-employed). New to Canada? Grab Form RC151 (GST/HST Credit Application for New Residents) or RC66 (for families with kids) from cra-arc.gc.ca.
To tweak details:
- Log into your CRA My Account online.
- Update address, banking, or family changes.
- Track payments and estimates right there.
Missed a payout? Wait 10 days, then call 1-800-959-8281. Keep info fresh to skip the snags.
Why This Boost Matters Now
With inflation nipping at heels, these enhanced credits—up from prior years—deliver real relief, potentially adding hundreds to your yearly take-home. It’s the CRA’s way of leveling the playing field, ensuring everyone feels the offset of sales taxes. File early, stay updated, and watch that direct deposit roll in.
Quick FAQs
- Is the GST rate actually rising? No—the “increase” is to the credit amounts, not the 5% federal rate (provincial HST varies).
- Do I need to reapply yearly? Nope—annual tax filing keeps you golden; CRA handles the rest.
- How’s my payment calculated? Based on 2024 income, family size, and marital status—check My Account for a preview.
- What if I have kids? Extra $184 per child under 19 stacks on top—include them on your return.
- Direct deposit vs. check? Go digital for speed; set it up via My Account to avoid mail waits.
Head to cra-arc.gc.ca for your personalized dashboard or forms today. Your next quarterly boost is just a tax return away—here’s to smoother finances in 2025!
