In 2025, millions of Canadians will continue to benefit from an increase in the Goods and Services Tax (GST)/Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) Credit, a non-taxable quarterly payment designed to help individuals and families with low to moderate incomes offset the cost of GST/HST on goods and services.
With new payment amounts and updated income thresholds, it’s essential to understand who qualifies and how much you can receive.
What Is the GST/HST Credit?
The GST/HST Credit is a federal financial benefit paid quarterly to eligible Canadians. It provides support by partially refunding the GST/HST paid throughout the year.
Eligibility is based on family net income, marital status, and the number of children under 19 in your care.
It’s automatically calculated when you file your income tax return, and payments are distributed every three months to eligible individuals and families.
Updated 2025 GST/HST Credit Amounts
For the 2024–2025 payment period (July 2024 to June 2025), the maximum annual GST/HST credit amounts have increased. Here’s a breakdown of the new figures:
| Category | Annual Amount | Quarterly Payment |
|---|---|---|
| Single Individual | $519 | $129.75 |
| Married/Common-Law Couple | $680 | $170.00 |
| Per Child Under 19 | $179 | $44.75 |
The actual amount received is based on your adjusted family net income from the previous tax year and starts to phase out at higher income levels. For example, individuals earning over $52,255 or families with four children earning over $69,000 may not receive any credit.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for the 2025 GST/HST Credit, you must:
- Be at least 19 years old, or
- Have or had a spouse/common-law partner, or
- Be a parent who lives with your child, and
- Be a resident of Canada for tax purposes
- File your income tax return, even if you earned no income
You do not need to apply separately—the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) assesses your eligibility automatically based on your tax return.
New Canadians must complete a specific form to register for the credit after establishing residency.
GST/HST Credit Payment Schedule (2025)
The GST/HST Credit is paid out quarterly, with scheduled dates as follows for the 2025 calendar year:
- January 3, 2025
- April 4, 2025
- July 4, 2025
- October 3, 2025
If your payment is less than a certain minimum, the CRA may combine it with your July payment instead of issuing multiple small cheques or deposits.
Provincial and Territorial Supplements
In addition to the federal credit, several provinces and territories provide additional tax credits or benefits that may be issued with your GST/HST Credit:
- British Columbia Climate Action Tax Credit
- Ontario Sales Tax Credit
- Nova Scotia Affordable Living Tax Credit
- New Brunswick HST Credit
- Newfoundland and Labrador Income Supplement
- Territorial Carbon Rebates and Cost of Living Supplements
These additional amounts vary depending on your province or territory and may increase your total quarterly benefit.
How to Maximize Your Benefit
To ensure you receive the maximum possible GST/HST Credit:
The Canada GST Credit increase for 2025 ensures continued support for low- and moderate-income households across the country. With new payment amounts and unchanged eligibility rules, this benefit can significantly ease the cost burden of daily essentials.
If you meet the criteria and file your taxes annually, you could be receiving hundreds of dollars per year—automatically—without lifting a finger.
Don’t miss out. Keep your details up to date and file on time to ensure you get the money you’re entitled to.
FAQs
Do I have to apply for the GST/HST Credit every year?
No. Once you file your income tax return, the CRA automatically assesses your eligibility for the credit each year.
What if I didn’t file my taxes last year?
You must file your return, even with no income, to be considered for the GST/HST Credit.
Can I receive both the federal credit and a provincial supplement?
Yes. If you live in a province or territory offering supplements, those are included with your GST/HST payments.