CRA Confirms $680 GST/HST Credit 2025, Check Eligibility and Payment Dates

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has released the official details for the GST/HST credit payments for 2025. These payments are given every three months and are completely tax-free. They are designed to help low- and middle-income households manage the increasing cost of goods and services.

This benefit is simple to receive because you do not have to fill out any separate forms. When you file your yearly income tax return, the CRA will automatically check if you qualify. If you are eligible, the payments will be sent to you on the scheduled dates without any extra steps.

How Much You Will Get in 2025

The benefit period runs from July 2024 to June 2025, and the maximum yearly and quarterly amounts are based on your household type.

Household Type	Annual Amount	Quarterly Amount
Single	\$519	\$129.75
Couple	\$680	\$170
Per Child (under 19)	\$179	\$44.75

For families, the amount increases with every eligible child under 19. This makes the GST/HST credit particularly helpful for households that face higher living costs.

Payment Dates for GST/HST Credit 2025

The CRA issues quarterly GST/HST credit payments on the 5th day of January, April, July, and October each year.

• If the 5th falls on a weekend or holiday, payments may arrive on the previous business day.
• Payments are deposited directly into your account if you’ve set up direct deposit with CRA. Otherwise, cheques are mailed.

What Decides Your GST/HST Credit Amount

Not every household receives the same payment. The amount depends on several key factors:

• Adjusted family net income
• Number of children under 19 registered for the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) and GST/HST credit
• Household structure – single, couple, or shared custody situations

In general, the lower your income, the higher your GST/HST credit payment. If your income increases, your credit amount may be reduced or phased out.

Eligibility for GST/HST Credit 2025

To qualify for the GST/HST credit in 2025, you must meet these basic requirements:

• Be at least 19 years old (exceptions apply for younger Canadians who are married or parents)
• Be a resident of Canada for tax purposes
• Have filed your previous year’s tax return

Filing your tax return each year is essential, even if you have no income, because CRA uses it to determine eligibility.

Life Events That Can Change Your Payments

Your GST/HST credit amount may change if you:

• Get married, separated, or divorced
• Have a child or experience a change in custody
• Experience a significant income change

Parents with shared custody will each receive 50% of the GST/HST credit amount for their child.

Good Ways to Use Your GST/HST Credit

For many Canadians, this quarterly payment helps cover essential living costs such as groceries, utility bills, transportation, and rent.

However, some financial experts suggest investing this credit to grow long-term wealth. One example is the Vanguard S\&P 500 Index ETF (TSX\:VSP), which tracks the performance of the 500 largest U.S. companies while protecting against currency fluctuations.

Why This Investment Option Stands Out:

• Includes global leaders like Apple, Microsoft, Nvidia, and Amazon
• Extremely low management fee of 0.09%
• Strong growth history: \$10,000 invested in 2012 could now be worth over \$45,000

By setting aside your GST/HST credit each quarter, you could gradually build a larger savings or investment portfolio, ensuring long-term financial security.

Why the GST/HST Credit Matters

The GST/HST credit is more than just a quarterly payment. It is a vital financial tool that helps offset rising living costs while ensuring fairness in the tax system.

Key benefits include:

• Helping low- and middle-income Canadians manage day-to-day expenses
• Adjusting automatically based on family income and size
• Providing support without requiring any extra application steps
• Offering opportunities for smart financial planning if invested wisely

With inflation still affecting household budgets, these credits are especially important for families and individuals relying on additional financial support.

FAQs

Q1: How often will I receive the GST/HST credit in 2025?
Payments are issued four times a year—on January 5, April 5, July 5, and October 5 (or the previous business day if it falls on a holiday).

Q2: Do I need to apply separately for the GST/HST credit?
No. The CRA automatically determines eligibility based on your annual income tax return.

Q3: How much can a single person receive in 2025?
A single person can receive up to \$519 annually, or about \$129.75 each quarter.

Q4: What happens if my income increases during the year?
If your family net income rises, your GST/HST credit amount may be reduced. The CRA adjusts payments accordingly.

Q5: Can parents with shared custody both receive the credit?
Yes. Parents with shared custody each receive 50% of the GST/HST credit amount for their child.