The Canada Revenue Agency has issued the 2025 schedule for the Goods and Services Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax (GST/HST) credit payments. This tax-free quarterly payment helps low- and moderate-income persons and families offset the amount of GST or HST they pay throughout the year. As concerns about living costs start rising in almost every part of the country, the 2025 GST/HST credit will remain a financial lifeline for millions of Canadian families.
GST/HST Credit and Its Importance
The GST/HST credit is a federal benefit that gives tax relief to Canadians with modest incomes. It is automatically calculated when you file your income tax return, and, if you qualify, you receive payments four times a year. The credit is not taxable income and can go a long way in managing everyday expenses, especially for families facing inflation.
2025 GST/HST Payment Schedule
The CRA has announced the dates for the GST/HST credit payments for 2025:
- January 3, 2025
- April 4, 2025
- July 4, 2025
- October 3, 2025
During normal circumstances, deposits are done quarterly through the bank account provided by the recipients or, in cases when there is no bank account for direct deposits, payments shall be mailed by check. Eligible Canadians are advised to link their CRA My Account to their bank account to avoid any delays.
Eligibility Criteria for the 2025 Credit
You need to be a Canadian resident for income tax purposes and at least 19 years old to qualify for the 2025 GST/HST credit. If you are under 19 of age, you may still qualify if you have or had a spouse or common-law partner or if you are a parent and live with your child.
Eligibility for this credit and how much you receive depends on your 2024 income tax return. The amount of credit decreases with an increase in net income, and those with higher net income will not be eligible.
How Much Could You Receive in 2025?
Maximum amounts of 2025 mapping credit additionally vary according to your family situation. According to the last update:
- $519 may be paid to one individual
- $680 may be paid to a married or common-law couple each
- $179 extra may be given for each child under 19
An amount is paid based on net family income and the number of children in the household.
How to Receive the GST/HST Credit
To get the 2025 GST/HST credit, simply file your 2024 tax return-even if your income to report is zero. The CRA will use this return to determine your eligibility and the amount you would receive. No separate application is required for most Canadian residents, but make sure your personal address information and marital status in your CRA account are correct.
If You Missed a Payment
If you think you should have been eligible but did not receive your GST/HST credit, it is best to check your CRA My Account online or call the CRA directly. Payment issues can sometimes be resolved by providing corrected banking information or checking on the status of your tax return processing.
Conclusion
With the release of the 2025 GST/HST credit schedule, the CRA now gives Canadians clarity on when to expect this vital cash injection. Armed with the knowledge of the payment schedule and of your tax filing being in order, you should be able to receive the full complement of benefits to which you are entitled. The credit essentially softens the burden of living expenses for low and middle-income Canadians.