The Goods and Services Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax (GST/HST) credit is one of Canada’s most important financial support programs, helping individuals and families with low or modest incomes offset the cost of sales taxes. Administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), this tax-free benefit is issued quarterly and requires no separate application once you file your annual tax return.
With the next payment scheduled for October 3, 2025, many Canadians are eager to know how much they will receive, who qualifies, and what the income limits are for this benefit year. The CRA has confirmed that some households could see up to $496 in quarterly support, depending on their family size and net income.
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GST/HST Credit 2025: Eligibility and Payment Amounts Canadians Can Expect in October
What Is the GST/HST Credit?
The GST/HST credit is designed to reduce the financial burden of sales taxes for Canadians with lower or modest incomes. It is paid four times per year — in January, April, July, and October — and is automatically calculated based on the information from your income tax return.
Key features of the credit include:
- Tax-free benefit, meaning it does not need to be reported as taxable income
- Automatic eligibility for most individuals who file their taxes
- Additional payments for families with children under 19 years of age
October 2025 GST/HST Payment Date
The CRA has confirmed that the next GST/HST credit will be issued on:
- October 3, 2025
Payments will be sent directly to bank accounts for those registered for direct deposit, while paper cheque recipients may need to wait a few extra days for delivery.
If your annual entitlement is less than $50, the CRA typically issues the full amount as a lump sum in July rather than splitting it across quarterly payments.
How Much Will You Receive?
For the July 2025 to June 2026 benefit year, the maximum annual credit amounts are:
- $533 for single individuals
- $689 for married or common-law couples (combined total, not per partner)
- $184 per child under the age of 19
For a family of four with two children, this means a total of:
- $689 (couple) + $184 + $184 = $1,057 annually
Divided into four quarterly payments, that works out to up to $264 per payment.
For larger families or certain low-income households, quarterly credits can reach or exceed $496 in October 2025, depending on eligibility and household composition.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the GST/HST credit, you must:
- Be a resident of Canada for income tax purposes at the beginning of the month the CRA issues the payment
- Be at least 19 years old, or if younger, have a spouse/common-law partner or be a parent living with your child
- Have filed your 2024 income tax return (the CRA uses this to calculate July 2025–June 2026 entitlements)
If you are new to Canada, you must complete Form RC151 (GST/HST Credit Application for Individuals Who Become Residents of Canada).
Income Limits for 2025
The GST/HST credit begins to phase out once your adjusted family net income exceeds certain thresholds. While exact reduction points vary depending on family size, the general guidelines are:
- Single individuals begin to see a reduction once income exceeds approximately $42,000
- Couples and families have higher thresholds depending on the number of children in the household
- The credit reduces gradually until it reaches zero
How Payments Are Made
The CRA issues GST/HST credits through two main methods:
- Direct deposit: The fastest, most reliable option. Payments appear in your bank account on the scheduled date.
- Paper cheque: Sent by mail but may arrive later, depending on postal delivery times.
Why the GST/HST Credit Matters in 2025
With inflation continuing to affect essentials such as groceries, housing, and transportation, government benefits like the GST/HST credit provide a crucial financial buffer. While the amounts may not cover all rising costs, they help families reduce day-to-day financial strain and, when combined with other federal benefits such as the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) or Canada Workers Benefit (CWB), can provide meaningful relief.
Key Takeaways
- The next GST/HST credit will be issued on October 3, 2025.
- Maximum amounts for 2025–2026 are $533 for singles, $689 for couples, and $184 per child under 19.
- Some families could see up to $496 in their October payment, depending on household size and income.
- Eligibility is based on your 2024 tax return and your family’s net income.
- Direct deposit ensures the fastest access to funds.
The GST/HST credit remains one of Canada’s most important support programs, helping millions of households manage the growing cost of living.