The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has confirmed the quarterly payment schedule for the Goods and Services Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax (GST/HST) credit for 2025. These tax-free payments provide crucial financial support to individuals and families with low and modest incomes to help offset the taxes they pay. The dates are set for the beginning of each quarter.
Canada Upcoming GST/HST Return Payment Dates 2025
| Key Fact | Detail |
| First Quarter Payment | Friday, January 3, 2025 Canada Revenue Agency |
| Second Quarter Payment | Friday, April 4, 2025 |
| Third Quarter Payment | Friday, July 4, 2025 |
| Fourth Quarter Payment | Friday, October 3, 2025 |
Understanding the Canada GST/HST Credit Payment Dates 2025
The CRA distributes the GST/HST credit on the fifth day of January, April, July, and October. However, if the fifth day falls on a weekend or a federal statutory holiday, the payment is issued on the last business day prior. This is the case for all four payment dates in 2025, resulting in payments being sent on the Friday before the 5th of each designated month.
According to the federal government, the GST/HST credit is designed to “help Canadian individuals and families with low and modest incomes offset all or part of the GST or HST that they pay.” To receive the credit, individuals must file their income tax returns every year, even if they have no income to report. The CRA automatically considers eligibility based on the filed tax return.
GST/HST Credit Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility for the GST/HST credit is not universal and is based on specific criteria set by the federal government. To qualify, an individual must be a resident of Canada for income tax purposes and be at least 19 years old. Individuals under 19 may still be eligible if they have (or had) a spouse or common-law partner, or are (or were) a parent and live (or lived) with their child.
Income Thresholds Determine Payment Amount
The amount received is directly tied to adjusted family net income from the previous year’s tax return. The benefit year for the GST/HST credit runs from July 1 of one year to June 30 of the next.
- Payments from January and April 2025 are calculated based on your 2023 tax return.
- Payments from July and October 2025 will be calculated based on your 2024 tax return.
The credit is gradually reduced as income rises. Once a family’s net income exceeds a certain threshold, the payment is phased out completely. The CRA provides detailed charts and an online benefits calculator to help Canadians estimate their entitlement.
How Much is the GST Credit?
The total payment is a sum of several components, which are updated annually based on inflation. For the benefit year running from July 2024 to June 2025, the maximum annual credit components are:
- $519 for an individual.
- $680 for a spouse or common-law partner.
- $180 for each child under the age of 19.
“Filing your taxes on time is the single most important step to ensure you receive the benefits and credits you are entitled to, including the GST/HST credit,” a CRA spokesperson noted in a recent public service announcement. The agency encourages all eligible Canadians to sign up for direct deposit to receive their payments faster and avoid delays associated with mailed cheques.
If a recipient does not receive their payment on the expected date, the CRA advises waiting 10 working days before contacting them. This allows for any potential mail delivery delays for those receiving their benefit by cheque.
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FAQs
Do I need to apply for the GST/HST credit?
No. You are automatically considered for the credit when you file your annual income tax and benefit return with the CRA.
Are GST/HST credit payments taxable?
No. The payments are a tax-free benefit and are not considered income for tax purposes.
What should I do if my family situation changes?
You should inform the CRA as soon as possible about any changes to your marital status, number of dependent children, or address. These changes can affect your eligibility and payment amount. You can update your information through the CRA’s “My Account” online portal.
