As living costs continue to stretch household budgets, many Canadians are eagerly awaiting the next installment of the GST/HST Credit. Far from being a small financial perk, this tax-free payment has become a lifeline for low- and middle-income individuals and families, providing regular quarterly support to help offset the impact of rising prices.
The program, administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), issues payments in January, April, July, and October each year. The upcoming installment will be delivered on April 5, 2025.
Here’s everything you need to know about the credit, including who qualifies, how much you could receive, and why this support plays such a vital role in today’s economy.
What is the GST/HST Credit?
The Goods and Services Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax (GST/HST) Credit is a non-taxable benefit that helps low- and moderate-income households recover some of the sales tax they pay on everyday goods and services.
It is designed to:
- Protect vulnerable households from the regressive impact of consumption taxes.
- Provide steady income support four times a year.
- Stimulate the economy by increasing spending power.
- Promote fairness by redistributing tax revenue to those most in need.
Unlike some benefits that require lengthy applications, the GST/HST Credit is typically automatic once a tax return is filed.
Why this credit matters in 2025
With inflation still weighing heavily on food, rent, and transportation costs, the GST/HST Credit is more important than ever. For millions of Canadians, the credit:
- Provides predictable cash support to manage monthly budgets.
- Helps cover essentials such as groceries, heating, and public transit.
- Acts as a cushion against inflation, offering relief when prices rise.
- Reinforces Canada’s commitment to social equity by helping those at greatest financial risk.
As policymakers debate affordability measures, this quarterly credit remains one of the most reliable and accessible supports available to Canadians.
How much will you get in April 2025?
The amount of the GST/HST Credit you receive depends on your income, marital status, and number of children.
Here’s the breakdown for the 2024–2025 benefit year:
- Single individual (19+): \$519 annually
- Married or common-law couple: \$680 annually
- Per child under 19 years old: Additional \$179 annually
These totals are divided across four payments, so households can expect deposits every three months. For example:
- A single adult with no children will receive about \$129.75 per quarter.
- A couple with two children will receive approximately \$1,038 annually, or \$259.50 per quarter.
While not enough to cover all expenses, the payment helps reduce the bite of sales taxes on essentials.
When are the 2025 GST/HST Credit payment dates?
The CRA has confirmed the following schedule for 2025:
| Quarter | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| 1st Quarter | January 3, 2025 |
| 2nd Quarter | April 5, 2025 |
| 3rd Quarter | July 5, 2025 |
| 4th Quarter | October 2025 (date to be announced) |
Payments are typically made by direct deposit, but families who have not set up banking details with CRA will receive a cheque by mail, which can take longer to arrive.
Eligibility requirements for the GST/HST Credit
To qualify, you must:
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- Be a Canadian resident for tax purposes.
- Be at least 19 years old.
- Have household income below the CRA threshold.
If you are under 19, you may still qualify if you:
- Are married or living in a common-law relationship.
- Are a parent living with your child.
The CRA calculates eligibility and payment amounts automatically based on the 2024 tax return filed earlier in the year. This makes filing taxes on time essential.
How to apply for the GST/HST Credit
Most Canadians do not need to apply separately—the credit is automatically considered when you file your annual taxes. However, if you are a newcomer to Canada or your situation has changed, you may need to:
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- Log into your CRA My Account.
- Select “Apply for GST/HST Credit.”
- Fill out the form with your family and income details.
- Upload required documents if prompted.
- Submit and wait for CRA confirmation.
Keeping your personal details, marital status, and number of dependents updated in your CRA profile ensures payments are accurate.
The bigger picture: why this program exists
The GST/HST Credit is not just about putting money back in people’s pockets—it represents a broader policy commitment to fairness.
By redistributing tax revenues to lower-income Canadians, the program helps ensure that no one is left behind in an economy where consumption taxes affect everyone equally, regardless of income.
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In practice, it:
- Reduces poverty rates among single parents and seniors.
- Supports children’s welfare by making it easier for families to afford food, school supplies, and clothing.
- Boosts local economies as families spend their credit on essentials close to home.
Looking ahead – could amounts increase?
While the current payment structure is set for 2025, advocacy groups have been pushing for higher credits to reflect the rising cost of living. Some proposals include:
- Expanding eligibility to more middle-income households.
- Increasing per-child amounts to better address childcare affordability.
- Indexing credits more aggressively to inflation.
Whether these changes materialize will depend on upcoming federal budgets, but the April 2025 installment underscores the ongoing importance of this credit.
5 SEO-Friendly FAQs
Q1: When is the next GST/HST Credit payment in 2025?
The next payment will be issued on April 5, 2025.
Q2: How much is the GST/HST Credit in 2025?
A single adult can receive \$519 annually, couples receive \$680 annually, and families get \$179 per child under 19.
Q3: Do I need to apply for the GST/HST Credit?
In most cases, no. Filing your tax return automatically applies you for the credit.
Q4: Who is eligible for the GST/HST Credit?
Canadian residents with low or modest incomes, age 19+, or younger if married or living with a child.
Q5: Is the GST/HST Credit taxable?
No. The GST/HST Credit is a non-taxable benefit and does not need to be reported as income.