Many Canadians rely on the GST/HST credit as part of their financial planning. This quarterly benefit helps low- and modest-income individuals and families offset the GST/HST they pay.
As 2025 progresses, knowing when payments will arrive, who qualifies, and how much you might receive becomes especially important for budgeting. This article outlines the full 2025 payment schedule, eligibility criteria, typical payment amounts, and some tips to make sure you don’t miss your credit.
2025 Payment Schedule
Here are the scheduled dates in 2025 when the GST/HST credit payments will be issued:
| Payment Number | Date | Based On Which Tax Return | Applicable Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | January 3, 2025 | 2023 tax return | Period Jan-Mar 2025 |
| 2 | April 4, 2025 | 2023 tax return | Period Apr-Jun 2025 |
| 3 | July 4, 2025 | 2024 tax return | Period Jul-Sep 2025 |
| 4 | October 3, 2025 | 2024 tax return | Period Oct-Dec 2025 |
- When the payment date (the “5th” or similar) falls on a weekend or statutory holiday, the payment is moved to the last business day before that date.
- For example, if October 5 falls on a weekend, the payment may be made October 3 or on the nearest prior business day.
Eligibility Requirements
To receive the GST/HST credit, you must meet several criteria:
- Be a resident of Canada for tax purposes at the time CRA reviews payments.
- Be at least 19 years old, or if younger, meet specific conditions (e.g. live with a spouse/common-law partner or parent a child).
- Have filed your previous year’s income tax return (for example, to get the July 2025 payment, your 2024 return must be filed).
- Have a Social Insurance Number (SIN).
- Meet income thresholds; those with higher income may get reduced amounts or may no longer qualify.
- Appropriate reporting of marital status, number of eligible children under 19, and changes in circumstances (address, income, etc.).
How Much Can You Receive?
Estimated maximum amounts for the GST/HST credit vary depending on family size, number of children, and income. These are approximate for 2025 based on CRA’s guidelines:
| Family Type / Situation | Max Annual Credit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single, no children | ≈ $533 | Full credit, low income required |
| Married / common-law couple | ≈ $698 | Both incomes considered |
| Each child under 19 | ≈ $184 per child | Added amount per child registered |
Actual payment per quarter would be roughly a quarter of your annual entitlement, unless your credit is under a minimum threshold (in which case payment might be combined or adjusted).
Payment Timing vs Income Year
- Payments in January & April 2025 are based on your 2023 tax return.
- Payments in July & October 2025 are based on your 2024 tax return.
- That means if your 2024 income increased, your July and October payments may be lower than earlier in the year.
- If you miss filing a tax return for 2024, you could lose eligibility until CRA processes your return.
Common Issues & Things to Watch
- Make sure your mailing address and direct deposit information are up to date—wrong info causes delays.
- CRA automatically recalculates your credit if your marital status changes, you have a new dependent child, or your income changes significantly.
- If your computed credit is under a small threshold, CRA may combine payments rather than paying quarterly.
- Be aware of provincial or territorial credits that may accompany or be linked with the GST/HST credit—it may increase total benefit depending on where you live.
Canada’s GST/HST credit payments for 2025 offer reliable support to low- and modest-income Canadians. With payments set for January 3, April 4, July 4, and October 3, the CRA ensures that eligible people receive this non-taxable credit each quarter.
If you file your taxes on time, maintain up-to-date personal information with CRA, and meet the eligibility criteria—including being 19+, residency, income thresholds—you stand to benefit fully.
As living costs rise, this credit can help lighten the load. Knowing the schedule and how amounts are calculated helps households plan ahead. Make sure you check your eligibility, file your returns, and watch for CRA notices so you won’t miss out on any payment you deserve.
FAQs
What happens if I missed filing my 2024 tax return?
If you haven’t filed your 2024 return by the time CRA uses it for the July or October payments, you may miss out or receive reduced credit until your return is processed.
Will my GST/HST payment change if I have children or my income dropped?
Yes. More eligible children under 19 generally increase the credit. Lower income (adjusted net income after deductions) raises the amount; higher income may reduce or eliminate it.
Can I expect extra payments beyond the GST/HST credit?
Sometimes provincial/territorial credits are bundled in or added. Also, special rebates or relief payments (like grocery rebates) may arrive in addition—but those are separate programs.