The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has officially confirmed the GST/HST credit amounts for 2025, and the news is good for Canadians struggling with rising prices. Eligible individuals and families can now receive up to $680 annually, paid out in quarterly, tax-free payments.
The GST/HST credit is designed to ease the financial burden of sales taxes for low- and middle-income Canadians, helping households offset costs of everyday essentials such as food, rent, clothing, and transportation.
Best of all, you don’t have to apply separately—filing your income tax return automatically determines eligibility.
What Is the GST/HST Credit?
The GST/HST credit is a tax-free quarterly payment from the CRA that supports Canadians with modest incomes. It helps offset the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) they pay on daily purchases.
Key features include:
- Tax-free: Payments are not added to taxable income.
- Automatic enrollment: No separate forms are required—CRA decides eligibility after reviewing your tax return.
- Income-tested: The lower your family net income, the higher your credit.
- Quarterly schedule: Payments arrive every January, April, July, and October.
How Much You Will Get in 2025
For the benefit year running from July 2024 to June 2025, the maximum amounts have been confirmed.
| Household Type | Annual Amount | Quarterly Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Single | $519 | $129.75 |
| Couple | $680 | $170 |
| Per Child (under 19) | $179 | $44.75 |
Examples:
- A single adult will receive up to $519 per year, paid in four installments of $129.75.
- A married couple with no children will receive $680 annually (or $170 per quarter).
- A family of four (two parents + two children) could receive $1,038 annually.
GST/HST Credit Payment Dates for 2025
The CRA issues quarterly payments on the 5th day of January, April, July, and October each year.
- January 5, 2025
- April 5, 2025
- July 5, 2025
- October 5, 2025
If the date falls on a weekend or holiday, the payment is made on the previous business day.
Payments are made through direct deposit if you’ve set it up with the CRA, or by cheque if not.
What Decides Your GST/HST Credit Amount
The CRA uses several factors to determine your exact credit amount:
- Adjusted family net income (AFNI) – from your 2024 tax return.
- Household type – whether you are single, a couple, or a parent.
- Number of children under 19 registered for the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) or GST/HST credit.
- Custody arrangements – parents with shared custody split the credit evenly.
In general:
- Lower income = higher credit.
- As income rises above certain thresholds, credit amounts gradually decrease.
Eligibility for GST/HST Credit in 2025
To qualify for the 2025 GST/HST credit, you must:
- Be at least 19 years old, OR
- If under 19, you must be married, in a common-law relationship, or a parent.
- Be a Canadian resident for tax purposes.
- Have filed your 2024 income tax return, even if you earned no income.
Filing your tax return is essential, since the CRA uses it to calculate eligibility.
Life Events That Can Change Your Credit
Your GST/HST credit may increase or decrease if you:
- Get married, divorced, or separated
- Have a child or experience a change in custody
- See major changes in household income
- Move provinces, as income thresholds may adjust with other benefits
Parents with shared custody will each receive 50% of the credit amount for the child.
How Canadians Use the GST/HST Credit
For many households, the credit goes directly toward essential living costs:
- Groceries
- Utility bills
- Transportation costs
- Rent or mortgage support
However, some Canadians use the payment as a chance to save or invest. For example, investing the credit in low-cost ETFs like the Vanguard S&P 500 Index ETF could compound into significant long-term wealth.
Why the GST/HST Credit Matters
The GST/HST credit is more than just a quarterly cheque. It is:
- A tool to support low- and middle-income Canadians.
- An automatic adjustment based on family size and income.
- A way to offset inflation and stabilize family budgets.
- A building block for financial planning, if used wisely.
In 2025, with inflation still straining household budgets, these payments provide much-needed relief.
Quick Facts & Figures
| Key Detail | 2025 Information |
|---|---|
| Maximum for Singles | $519 annually |
| Maximum for Couples | $680 annually |
| Per Child (under 19) | $179 annually |
| Quarterly Payment Dates | Jan 5, Apr 5, Jul 5, Oct 5 |
| Payment Method | Direct deposit or cheque |
| Eligibility Requirement | File 2024 tax return |
| Taxable? | No – payments are tax-free |
The $680 CRA GST/HST Credit for 2025 is a vital support tool for Canadian households, ensuring fairness in the tax system while offering quarterly, tax-free payments.
With confirmed dates, eligibility criteria, and payment amounts, Canadians can better plan their finances for the year ahead.
For low- and middle-income families, this benefit can help cover essentials like food, bills, and housing—or serve as a valuable tool for long-term savings if invested wisely.
By filing taxes on time, keeping your information updated, and understanding how credits are calculated, you can make sure you receive the full amount you’re entitled to.
In 2025, the GST/HST credit remains an important lifeline, offering stability and support in an era of rising costs.
FAQs
How often will I receive the GST/HST credit in 2025?
You will receive the credit four times a year—on January 5, April 5, July 5, and October 5 (or the previous business day if these dates fall on a holiday).
Do I need to apply separately for the GST/HST credit?
No. The CRA automatically determines eligibility based on your annual income tax return.
How much can a single person receive in 2025?
A single person can receive up to $519 annually, which works out to $129.75 per quarter.