The Government of Canada has confirmed the continuation of the GST/HST Credit for 2025, offering up to $179 in tax-free payments per eligible adult. This benefit, administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), is designed to assist low- and modest-income Canadians in managing the increasing cost of living.
In 2025, updated guidelines and payment schedules have been released to ensure clarity for recipients. This comprehensive guide outlines who qualifies, how much you can receive, payment dates, and how to keep your CRA account up to date to avoid missing out on these valuable payments.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Program | GST/HST Credit Canada 2025 |
| Payment Amount | $179 per eligible adult; $94 per eligible child |
| Payment Frequency | Quarterly |
| CRA Payment Dates | Jan 5, Apr 4, Jul 4, Oct 3 (2025) |
| Eligibility Based On | 2024 income tax return |
| Taxable? | No, completely tax-free |
| Administered By | Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) |
| Official Website | https://www.canada.ca |
What Is the GST/HST Credit?
The GST/HST Credit is a refundable tax credit that helps Canadians offset the cost of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) or Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) they pay on everyday purchases. It’s part of a broader strategy by the CRA to provide financial relief to lower-income individuals and families.
This credit is issued quarterly and is completely tax-free, meaning you do not need to repay it or report it as taxable income when you file your return.
Eligibility Criteria for the $179 GST/HST Credit in 2025
To be eligible for the GST/HST Credit in 2025, you must meet several conditions based on your 2024 income tax return:
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Be a Canadian resident for income tax purposes.
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Be 19 years of age or older.
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If under 19, you must be either:
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A parent living with your child, or
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Have (or had) a spouse or common-law partner.
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File your 2024 tax return, even if you earned no income.
Income Threshold
Eligibility and payment amounts are determined by your adjusted family net income. Generally, individuals and families with net incomes below approximately $49,000 are eligible for full or partial credit amounts.
CRA Quarterly Payment Dates for 2025
The CRA distributes the GST/HST Credit on a quarterly schedule. Below are the confirmed payment dates for 2025:
| Quarter | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| Q1 | January 5, 2025 |
| Q2 | April 4, 2025 |
| Q3 | July 4, 2025 |
| Q4 | October 3, 2025 |
Payments are either directly deposited into your bank account or sent by cheque, depending on your preferences set up in your CRA My Account.
How Much Will You Receive?
The CRA calculates the GST/HST Credit based on your income and family size. Here’s the estimated breakdown:
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$179 for a single individual.
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$179 for a spouse or common-law partner.
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$94 per child under the age of 19.
Example:
A family of four (two adults and two children) could receive:
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2 x $179 = $358 (for the adults)
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2 x $94 = $188 (for the children)
Total = $546 annually, divided over four payments.
The CRA adjusts these figures annually for inflation, so slight increases are possible in future years.
How to Ensure You Receive the Credit
To receive your GST/HST Credit without issues:
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File your 2024 income tax return before the deadline on April 30, 2025.
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Keep your personal information current with the CRA, including:
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Marital status
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Number of children
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Address
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Direct deposit details
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Use CRA My Account to:
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Check your payment status
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Update your information
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View past payment records
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Missing or delayed payments are often due to outdated or incorrect account information.
Importance of the Tax-Free Nature of the GST/HST Credit
One of the most significant benefits of the GST/HST Credit is that it is completely tax-free. This means:
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It does not count as income when calculating eligibility for other federal or provincial benefits.
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It does not need to be repaid.
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It helps individuals and families manage rising expenses, including:
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Groceries
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Rent
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Utilities
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Transportation
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Especially for Canadians on fixed or lower incomes, this quarterly payment can make a substantial difference in monthly budgeting.
Official CRA Resource
For more detailed information, updates, or to access your CRA My Account, visit the official Government of Canada website:
https://www.canada.ca
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is eligible for the $179 GST/HST Credit in 2025?
Eligibility is based on your 2024 tax return. You must be a Canadian resident, aged 19 or older (or meet exceptions), and have a net income below the CRA threshold.
Do I need to apply separately for the GST/HST Credit?
No. Simply file your 2024 income tax return, and the CRA will automatically assess your eligibility.
When will the payments be made?
Quarterly on the following dates: January 5, April 4, July 4, and October 3, 2025.
Is the credit taxable?
No. The GST/HST Credit is tax-free and does not need to be reported as income on your return.
What if I missed a payment or didn’t receive one?
Check your CRA My Account or contact the CRA directly to resolve missing or delayed payments.
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