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Starting July 2025, the GST/HST credit will increase by 2.7% to help Canadians cope with rising living costs. This tax‑free quarterly benefit is issued by the CRA and offsets part of the GST/HST paid on everyday purchases .
Updated Credit Amounts (July 2025 – June 2026)
| Recipient Type | 2024 Amount (CAD) | 2025 Amount (CAD) | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Individual | $340 | $349 | +$9 |
| Couple (combined) | $680 | $698 | +$18 |
| Per Eligible Child (<19) | $179 | $184 | +$5 |
A family with two adults & 2 kids could receive up to $1,066 annually (~$266.50 per quarter) in 2025
Eligibility: How to Qualify
To receive the increased credit, you must:
- Be a Canadian resident for income‑tax purposes.
- Be 19 or older, or under 19 and living with a spouse/common-law partner or child.
- Have filed your 2024 tax return (even with zero income).
- Have family net income below CRA thresholds (varies by family size).
For newcomers, file Form RC151 (single) or RC66 (with child) in the first year; CRA takes care of subsequent years automatically.
Payment Dates — Quarterly Schedule
CRA issues payments July, October, January, and April each year. 2025 dates include:
- July 5, 2025
- October 4, 2025
- January 3, 2026
- April 4, 2026 .
If your total credit is < $50/quarter, CRA will consolidate and pay in July only.
How It’s Calculated
CRA calculates your credit based on:
- Adjusted family net income from 2024 tax return.
- Marital status and number of children under 19.
The higher your income, the more the credit phases out. Eligibility and amount recalculated if your situation changes (income, marital status, new child, etc.) .
Why This Increase Matters
- Helps low‑ and modest‑income households offset GST/HST costs, especially amid rising inflation.
- With quarterly payouts, it supports budgeting for essentials like groceries, utilities, or school supplies.
- Easy to obtain and tax‑free, most claimants don’t need to apply separately.
Tips to Maximize Your Benefit
- Always file your 2024 tax return, even if you earned no income.
- Enable direct deposit in My Account to avoid delays.
- Keep CRA info updated: marital status, dependents, and address.
- Newcomers: Ensure RC151/RC66 has been submitted to start receiving payments.
For low- and modest-income Canadians, the 2.7% GST/HST credit increase in 2025 delivers more support with minimal effort.
Ensure you file your return, enable direct deposit, and update CRA with any life changes—so you can easily access this tax-free, quarterly financial relief when payments begin July 2025.
FAQs
Do I need to apply for the increased GST/HST credit?
No, it’s automatic if you file your 2024 tax return and meet eligibility criteria .
When will the increased amounts begin arriving?
The first increase will hit bank accounts on July 5, 2025. Subsequent payments follow quarterly .
What if my income went up significantly in 2024?
Payments will reduce accordingly or phase out entirely. CRA recalculates credit based on 2024 net income .