The Canadian government implements numerous financial support programs on behalf of its citizens and permanent residents. The largest and the most typical of them is the GST/HST Credit (Goods and Services Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax Credit). The initiation of this program follows the sole purpose of providing relief to the low- and middle-income families and individuals.
This credit is going to be available to millions of Canadians even in 2025. In this article, we will understand in detail who will get the GST/HST credit in 2025, when the payment will be made, and what the complete schedule is.
What is GST/HST Credit?
The GST/HST Credit is a tax-free payment that Canadian citizens receive every three months. Its main purpose is to reduce the burden of increased expenses due to Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Harmonized Sales Tax (HST).
The government makes this payment directly into the bank accounts of eligible people. This credit is available only to those whose income is low or medium level.
When will the GST/HST Credit be available in 2025?
In Canada, GST/HST Credit is paid four times every year—that is, on a quarterly basis.
The government has already set payment dates for 2025. Payment will be received on these dates:
- January 5, 2025
- April 5, 2025
- July 5, 2025
- October 5, 2025
If any of these dates falls on a weekend or holiday, payment is usually issued on the preceding business day.
Who will get GST/HST Credit in 2025? (Eligibility Criteria)
The Canadian government has made clear criteria for who will get this credit. The main conditions are as follows:
Age & Residency
The applicant must be at least 19 years of age.
The person must be a resident of Canada.
Family Status
If a person is married or in a common-law partnership, eligibility is based on a combination of both incomes.
If you have children, you can avail both the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) and the GST/HST credit.
Income Level
The biggest basis for eligibility is your net family income.
Only those people are eligible whose income is below the limit set by the government.
How much will be received? (Payment Amount 2025)
The amount of GST/HST credit depends on your net income and family status. The estimated payment in 2025 may look like this (based on CRA—Canada Revenue Agency guidelines):
Single Individual: About $496 per year
Married/Common-Law: About $650 per year
Each child (under 19 years): About $171 per year
This sum is given in four terms during the year. To mention but a few, in the event that one individual is to be paid $496, he or she will earn approximately $124 every three months.
How to get paid? (Payment Method)
The government tries to make payments directly into your bank account (direct deposit). If you don’t have direct deposit set up, you will be sent a paper check, which may take a little longer.
The CRA (Canada Revenue Agency) advises citizens to always opt for direct deposit so that payments are received on time and there is no delay.
Application Process
- The best part is that there is no need to apply separately for GST/HST Credit.
- When you file your income tax return every year, the CRA decides whether you are eligible for this credit based on your details.
- That is, if you have filed a tax return, the CRA will automatically include you in the eligibility list.
What if you are a new immigrant?
If you have recently come to Canada and have not yet filed a tax return, you have to fill out a separate form:
- RC151 Form – GST/HST Credit Application for Individuals Who Become Residents of Canada
- After filling out this form, the CRA reviews your application and decides the eligibility.
How to check status from CRA My Account?
CRA has made digital services easy. You can check your payment status as follows:
- Log in to CRA My Account.
- Go to the “Benefits and Credits” section.
- There you will find the date and amount of the next payment.
What to do if you haven’t received a payment?
Sometimes a payment may be delayed due to incorrect bank details, errors in tax returns, or an address not updated.
In such a situation, you can:
- Update your bank details by going to CRA My Account.
- Contact the CRA Contact Centre directly.
Why is the GST/HST Credit important?
- This credit is a means of relief, especially for low-income Canadian families and individuals.
- It balances rising inflation and tax burden.
- At the same time, it ensures that every citizen has financial support for basic expenses.
Conclusion
The GST/HST Credit 2025 in Canada comes as a major relief to families and people who have low income and have been experiencing increasing inflation every day. The greatest benefit of this credit is that you need not claim it separately, and all you are supposed to do is to provide your tax returns in time. This program lessens the economic strain but also gives the people financial security. This credit can therefore offer you much-needed support in 2025 should you fulfill their eligibility requirements.
FAQs
Q1. What is the GST/HST Credit in Canada?
A. The GST/HST Credit is a tax-free quarterly payment from the Canadian government to help low- and moderate-income individuals and families offset the cost of GST/HST.
Q2. Who is eligible for the 2025 GST/HST Credit?
A. Eligibility is based on age, residency, family status, and net income. Applicants must be at least 19 years old and Canadian residents. Family income is considered for married or common-law partners.
Q3. Do I need to apply separately to receive the credit?
A. No. Most eligible individuals automatically receive the credit based on their annual income tax return. New immigrants may need to submit Form RC151.
Q4. How will I receive the payment?
A. Payments are made through direct deposit into your bank account. If you don’t have a registered account, a paper check will be sent.
Q5. What should I do if my payment doesn’t arrive?
A. Check your bank details and address with CRA, and contact the CRA Contact Centre if issues persist.
