Feeling pressure at checkout? Groceries, gas, and rent still cost a lot, and many Canadians are still looking for relief. The good news is that the GST/HST credit amounts for the July 2025 to June 2026 payment period are already in effect, and eligible individuals and families can still receive tax-free quarterly support based on their 2024 tax return.
If you are reading this in 2026, there is one more update to watch. Starting in July 2026, the federal government says the GST/HST credit will move under the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit, with a 25% increase for five years, plus a one-time top-up tied to the January 2026 GST/HST credit to be issued by June 2026.
What is HST/GST Credit in Canada
The HST/GST credit is a quarterly benefit payment from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). It’s designed to help Canadians offset the goods and services tax (GST) and harmonized sales tax (HST) they pay on everyday purchases.
This credit is tax-free and based on your adjusted family net income, marital status, and number of children. It may also include extra amounts from provincial or territorial programs.
Who New HST Credit Update Helps
- Low-income individuals
- Families with children
- Newcomers to Canada
- Seniors on fixed incomes
The CRA automatically considers you when you file your tax return.
What is New in 2025 HST/GST Credit Increase?
The CRA recalculates GST/HST credit amounts every July using the previous year’s tax return. For the payment period from July 2025 to June 2026, you could receive up to:
- $533 if you are a single individual
- $698 if you are married or have a common-law partner
- $184 for each eligible child under 19
That means a couple with two children could receive up to $1,066 per year, while a single parent with one child could receive up to $882.
2025 HST/GST Income Limits: Who Qualifies?
This is where many people get confused. There is not one single cut-off for everyone. Your entitlement changes by family type and income level.
For the 2024 base year used for payments from July 2025 to June 2026, the CRA says the full couple amount applies up to $45,521 of adjusted family net income, then starts to phase down. But households can still qualify above that level, depending on their family size. The current maximum income thresholds shown by the CRA include:
- $56,181 for a single individual with no children
- $59,481 for a married or common-law couple with no children
$63,161 for a household with one child
Eligibility Rules for GST/HST Credit 2025
To qualify, you generally must:
- Be a resident of Canada for tax purposes in the month before and at the start of the month of payment
- Be 19 or older, or
- Be under 19 but have a spouse/common-law partner or live with your child
If you are already receiving the Canada Child Benefit for a child, that child is automatically considered in your GST/HST credit calculation. In shared custody situations, parents may receive half of the credit for that child.
Not Eligible?
You may not receive the credit if:
- You do not file your tax return
- Your adjusted family net income is above the CRA threshold for your family type
- You are not considered a resident of Canada for tax purposes
The safest move is to file on time, keep your details current, and check your CRA account if anything changes.
GST and HST Payment Dates for 2025-2026
For the July 2025 to June 2026 payment period, the payment dates are:
- July 4, 2025
- October 3, 2025
- January 5, 2026
- April 2, 2026
If you are reading this on March 24, 2026, the next scheduled payment is April 2, 2026. The next benefit year then starts with the July 3, 2026 payment.Missed a payment? The CRA says to wait 10 business days after the expected date before contacting them. Also, if your quarterly amount is less than $50, the CRA may issue the full amount as a single payment in July instead.
How to Apply for HST/GST Credit in 2025
Most Canadians do not need a separate application. Filing your tax return is usually enough, even if you had no income for the year.
New residents need to take extra steps:
- Without children: you can use the online RC151 form
- With children under 19: you generally need RC151, RC66, proof of birth, and mailing documents to your tax centre
Tips to Make Sure You Get Paid
Here is how to avoid delays:
- File your tax return on time
- Update your marital status, address, and child information
- Set up direct deposit
- Check your CRA account for your next payment date and amount
The CRA recalculates this credit every July. Even one life change, such as a new child, a separation, or shared custody, can change the amount.
Did Not Get GST Credit? Here is What to Do
If you believe you qualify but no payment arrived:
- Check your CRA account
- Confirm your latest tax return has been assessed
- Review your banking and mailing details
- Wait 10 business days after the payment date
- Then contact the CRA if the issue is still unresolved
Most delays come from late filing, outdated personal details, or a recent change in family income or status.
How Much Could You Receive?
Here is a quick estimate for the July 2025 to June 2026 period:
- Single individual: up to $533 yearly
- Married/common-law couple: up to $698 yearly
- Each child under 19: $184 yearly
- Couple with two children: up to $1,066 yearly
- Single parent with one child: up to $882 yearly
You can also estimate your amount using the CRA child and family benefits calculator.
What Changes in 2026?
This is the biggest update added to this article.
The current GST/HST credit structure still covers payments through June 2026. After that, the federal government says the program will continue under a new name, the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit, with a 25% increase starting in July 2026, it also says a one-time top-up equal to 50% of the 2025-26 annual value will be paid to eligible January 2026 GST/HST credit recipients by June 2026.
That means this article now covers two important realities at once:
- The current July 2025 to June 2026 GST/HST credit amounts
The next federal affordability change is coming in July 2026
Need Help Filing HST/GS? Contact Us
Filing properly matters. If your tax return is wrong, late, or missing key family details, your GST/HST credit can be reduced, delayed, or stopped.If you need help with filing, reviews, or GST/HST questions, Bestax offers GST/HST return filing services for individuals and businesses. This is especially useful if you are self-employed, newly arrived in Canada, or dealing with CRA account updates.
Why File with a Professional?
- Ensure accurate income reporting
- Avoid missed credits or deductions
- Get help understanding federal vs provincial tax benefits
- Stay compliant with the CRA filing requirements
Whether you’re filing for personal or business taxes, Bestax Accountants can help. Their team offers reliable and professional tax filing services tailored to your needs.
Services Include:
- GST/HST return filing
- Tax return reviews
- CRA account assistance
- Advice for newcomers, students, and self-employed workers
Don’t miss out on your GST/HST credit, get expert help.
Conclusion
The GST/HST credit still matters in [2026]. The current payment period runs from July 2025 to June 2026, and the right amount depends on your tax filing, family size, and adjusted family net income. File on time, keep your details updated, and check your CRA account so you do not miss what you are entitled to.And with a larger federal affordability benefit now scheduled for July 2026, staying current matters even more.
Quick FAQs
What is the next GST/HST credit payment date after March 24, 2026?
The next scheduled payment date is April 2, 2026. The following payment in the next benefit year is July 3, 2026.
Do I need to apply for the GST/HST credit every year?
No. Most people are considered automatically when they file their tax return each year. New residents may need to apply separately.
How much can a single person receive for July 2025 to June 2026?
A single individual can receive up to $533 for the year, depending on their adjusted family net income.
How do I know if I’m eligible for the GST/HST increase?
Check your eligibility by logging into your CRA MyAccount. You must have filed your 2024 tax return, and your income should be below the 2025 income thresholds.
Can newcomers to Canada get the GST/HST credit?
Yes. New residents may qualify. Those without children can use the online RC151 form, while those with children usually need RC151, RC66, and supporting documents.
How to apply for the GST/HST credit in Canada?
Most people are automatically considered when they file their tax return. Newcomers need to complete specific CRA forms like RC151 or RC66 and submit them.
What is changing in July 2026?
The federal government says the GST/HST credit will move under the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit and increase by 25% starting in July 2026, with a one-time top-up to eligible January 2026 recipients to be paid by June 2026.
Do you need to file taxes to get the GST/HST credit?
Filing your tax return is required even if you have no income. The CRA uses your tax return to calculate your GST/HST credit.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only. It is not legal advice and should not be relied on as such.
