What You Should Know Before Your GST/HST Credit Hits Your Account!
Looking ahead to the 2025-2026 payment cycle, the CRA recently announced the highest GST/HST credits you can receive in that time. Mark them down now:
• For single filers the credit can reach a max of $533.
• For married or common-law pairs the figure goes to $698.
• Parents of kids under 19 add $184 for each child to the total.
Who Gets the Credit?
The credits are great, but you must meet a short list of conditions to snag them. You’ll qualify if you:
• Are a Canadian resident for tax reasons.
• Are 19 years old by the payment date, or meet the under-19 rules.
• Have filed a tax return for 2024.
When Does the Payment Land?!
The CRA will send the GST/HST credit on a fixed schedule in this payment cycle. Get your reminders ready for these four dates:
• July 4, 2025.
• October 3, 2025.
• January 5, 2026.
• April 3, 2026.
Smart Moves to Max the Credit
To make the most of money you are entitled to, try these quick tips:
• Submit your taxes each year—even if you did not earn anything.
• Keep your phone number and address current with the CRA.
• Sign up for direct deposit so you receive payments straight to your bank.
Newcomer Perk
This is good to share with first-time Canadians: international students, visitors on work permits, and refugees now qualifying as residents can also receive this credit.
If you’re applying for the first time, grab the CRA Form RC151, or if you’ve got kids, use the RC66CH instead.
Your Budget Gets a Boost!
This payment is tax-free, so what you see is what you get—no receipts, no payback later. With groceries and bills climbing, this cash helps pad the monthly cash flow just a little more.
Keep the info flowing, take steps early, and use this inflation help that’s purpose-built for managing money headaches in 2025.