Last Updated On 29 June 2025, 9:39 AM EDT (Toronto Time)
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is set to roll out the new GST payment with an increase on July 4, 2025 to millions of eligible Canadian taxpayers, including temporary residents, international students, and refugees.
This non-taxable payment, designed to offset the costs of goods and services tax (GST) and harmonized sales tax (HST), is a lifeline for low- and moderate-income individuals and families across Canada.
With economic pressures like inflation and rising living costs, this increased GST payment will only make a slight impact.
In this in-depth guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the 2025 GST/HST credit, including eligibility criteria, payment amounts, application processes for newcomers, and key dates for the 2025–2026 payment cycle.
Whether you’re a long-time Canadian resident or a newcomer navigating the tax system, this article will help you understand how to maximize your CRA benefits and ensure you don’t miss out on this essential financial support.
Table of Contents
The HST/GST payment is a tax-free quarterly payment provided by the CRA to help low- and moderate-income Canadians offset the taxes they pay on goods and services.
Unlike taxable income, this credit is not added to your annual earnings, meaning you get to keep every dollar.
The credit is tailored to your financial situation, factoring in your income, marital status, and whether you have dependent children.
The increased payments starting on July 4, 2025, reflect the CRA’s annual recalculation based on the previous tax year (2024).
Eligibility for the GST/HST credit is straightforward but depends on several factors, including residency, age, and income.
Below, we break down the key criteria to determine if you qualify for the July 4, 2025, payment and beyond.
Residency Requirements
To be eligible, you must be a resident of Canada for income tax purposes in the month before and at the start of the month when the CRA issues the payment.
This includes:
- Permanent residents, including those with “approval-in-principle” from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
- Temporary residents, such as international students, work permit holders, and temporary resident permit holders.
- Refugees and other protected persons.
If you’ve recently moved to Canada, you’re considered a newcomer for GST/HST credit purposes during your first year in the country.
Newcomers may need to take extra steps to apply, which we’ll cover later.
Age Requirements
You must be at least 19 years old in the month before the payment is issued. However, if you’re under 19, you can still qualify if you meet one of these conditions:
- You are married or have a common-law partner (current or former).
- You are a parent who currently lives with your child or has lived with them in the past.
Adjusted Family Net Income-Based GST Eligibility
The GST/HST credit is designed for low- and moderate-income households.
Your eligibility depends on your adjusted family net income (AFNI), which is calculated based on your 2024 tax return (or your spouse/partner’s return, if applicable).
If your AFNI exceeds certain thresholds, you may not qualify for the credit.
Here’s a simplified breakdown of the 2024 base year income thresholds (effective for payments from July 2025 to June 2026):
| Family Status | Maximum AFNI for Full Credit | Phase-Out Threshold |
|---|---|---|
| Single individual (no children) | $27,000 | $53,000 |
| Single parent (one child) | $36,000 | $62,000 |
| Married/common-law (no children) | $42,000 | $68,000 |
| Married/common-law (one child) | $48,000 | $74,000 |
Note: These figures are estimates based on historical trends and may vary slightly.
If your AFNI is above the phase-out threshold, your credit may be reduced or eliminated.
The CRA calculates this automatically based on your tax return.
Special Considerations for Newcomers
Newcomers to Canada, including international students, work permit holders, and refugees, are eligible for the GST/HST credit, but they must apply manually in their first year.
This ensures the CRA has the necessary information to process their payments.
We’ll explore the application process in detail later.
The GST/HST credit amount you receive depends on your family status, the number of dependent children under 19, and your AFNI.
For the 2024 base year (affecting payments from July 2025 to June 2026), the CRA has increased the maximum credit amounts to reflect economic changes.
Here’s a breakdown of the maximum annual GST/HST credit amounts for 2025–2026:
| Family Status | Maximum Annual Credit |
|---|---|
| Single individual | $533 |
| Married or common-law (no children) | $698 |
| Per child under 19 | $184 |
The credit is phased out as your income approaches the upper threshold for your family status. For example:
- A single individual with an AFNI of $30,000 may receive a partial credit, while someone with an AFNI below $27,000 could receive the full $533.
- A married couple with two children and an AFNI of $50,000 might receive $698 (for the couple) + $368 (for two children) = $1,066, assuming they qualify for the full amount.
Below are exact calculations from the CRA on the GST payments for individuals and families:
GST payment calculation for Single individual or single parent family
| Adjusted family net income ($) | No children ($/year) | 1 child ($/year) | 2 children ($/year) | 3 children ($/year) | 4 children ($/year) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under $11,337.00 | $349.00 | $882.00 | $1,066.00 | $1,250.00 | $1,434.00 |
| $12,000 | $362.26 | $882.00 | $1,066.00 | $1,250.00 | $1,434.00 |
| $15,000 | $422.26 | $882.00 | $1,066.00 | $1,250.00 | $1,434.00 |
| $20,000 | $522.26 | $882.00 | $1,066.00 | $1,250.00 | $1,434.00 |
| $25,000 | $533.00 | $882.00 | $1,066.00 | $1,250.00 | $1,434.00 |
| $30,000 | $533.00 | $882.00 | $1,066.00 | $1,250.00 | $1,434.00 |
| $35,000 | $533.00 | $882.00 | $1,066.00 | $1,250.00 | $1,434.00 |
| $40,000 | $533.00 | $882.00 | $1,066.00 | $1,250.00 | $1,434.00 |
| $45,000 | $533.00 | $882.00 | $1,066.00 | $1,250.00 | $1,434.00 |
| $50,000 | $309.05 | $658.05 | $842.05 | $1026.05 | $1,210.05 |
| $55,000 | $59.05 | $408.05 | $592.05 | $776.05 | $960.05 |
| $60,000 | $0.00 | $158.05 | $342.05 | $526.05 | $710.05 |
| $65,000 | $0.00 | $0.00 | $92.05 | $276.05 | $460.05 |
| $70,000 | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 | $26.05 | $201.05 |
| $75,000 | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
GST payment calculations for Married or Common-law
| Adjusted family net income ($) | No children ($/year) | 1 child ($/year) | 2 children ($/year) | 3 children ($/year) | 4 children ($/year) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under $45,521 | $698.00 | $882.00 | $1,066.00 | $1,250.00 | $1,434.00 |
| $46,000 | $674.05 | $858.05 | $1,042.05 | $1,226.05 | $1,410.05 |
| $50,000 | $474.05 | $658.05 | $842.05 | $1,026.05 | $1,210.05 |
| $55,000 | $224.05 | $408.05 | $592.05 | $776.05 | $960.05 |
| $60,000 | $0.00 | $158.05 | $342.05 | $526.05 | $710.05 |
| $65,000 | $0.00 | $0.00 | $92.05 | $276.05 | $460.05 |
| $70,000 | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 | $26.05 | $210.05 |
| $75,000 | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
To estimate your credit, you can use the CRA’s GST credit calculator available on their website.
The GST/HST credit is paid quarterly on the following dates for the 2025–2026 cycle:
- July 4, 2025
- October 3, 2025
- January 5, 2026
- April 3, 2026
If the 5th of the month falls on a weekend, payments are issued on the preceding Friday.
You can expect your payment within 10 working days of these dates. If you don’t receive it, contact the CRA at 1-800-387-1193.
For most Canadian residents, the HST/GST payment is automatic if you’ve filed your 2024 tax return, even if you had no income.
The CRA uses your tax return to assess eligibility and calculate your credit.
However, newcomers and certain other groups may need to take additional steps.
For Existing Residents
If you’re a Canadian resident who filed a 2024 tax return, you don’t need to apply separately for the GST/HST credit.
The CRA will:
- Review your tax return to determine eligibility.
- Calculate your credit based on your AFNI and family status.
- Send payments automatically to your bank account (if enrolled in direct deposit) or by mail.
To ensure timely payments:
- Update your personal information (e.g., marital status, number of children) with the CRA via My Account or by calling 1-800-387-1193.
Newcomers, including international students, work permit holders, and refugees, must apply for the GST/HST credit in their first year.
The application process depends on whether you have children.
If You Don’t Have Children
- Complete Form RC151, GST/HST Credit and Canada Carbon Rebate Application for Individuals Who Become Residents of Canada.
- Submit the form to your local tax centre for the year you became a Canadian resident for tax purposes.
- Include details about your residency status and income.
If You Have Children
- Apply through Form RC66CH, Canada Child Benefits Application, which also covers the GST/HST credit.
- Complete Form RC66SCH, Status in Canada and Income Information for the Canada Child Benefits Application, to provide residency and income details.
- Submit both forms via My Account or by mail to your tax centre.
Tips for a Smooth Application
- File early: Submit your application as soon as possible after becoming a resident to avoid delays.
- Provide accurate information: Ensure your residency status, income, and family details are correct to prevent payment issues.
- Enroll in direct deposit: This ensures faster and more secure payments. You can set this up through My Account or by contacting the CRA.
The GST/HST credit isn’t the only financial support available in July 2025.
Several other CRA benefits are scheduled, providing a combined boost for eligible Canadians:
| Benefit | Payment Date | Description |
|---|---|---|
| GST/HST Credit | July 4, 2025 | Tax-free payment for low- and moderate-income individuals and families. |
| Advanced Canada Workers Benefit | July 11, 2025 | Support for low-income workers to encourage workforce participation. |
| Canada Child Benefit (CCB) | July 20, 2025 | Monthly tax-free payment for families with children under 18. |
| Ontario Trillium Benefit | June 10, 2025 | Provincial benefit for Ontario residents to offset energy and property taxes. |
These payments, combined with the increased GST/HST credit, can provide significant financial relief, especially for families and low-income households.
The new HST/GST payment, with an increase set for July 4, 2025, is a game-changer for low- and moderate-income Canadians, including newcomers.
With maximum credits of up to $533 for singles, $698 for couples, and $184 per child, this tax-free CRA benefit provides meaningful relief in a challenging economic climate.
By understanding eligibility, applying correctly (if you’re a newcomer), and staying informed about payment dates, you can make the most of this essential program.
Don’t miss out on this financial boost! Always file your tax return timely and keep your CRA profile updated.
For more details, visit the CRA website or contact them at 1-800-387-1193.
Stay tuned for updates on other government benefits and how they can support your financial well-being in 2025.
When will I receive my GST/HST payment in July 2025?
The GST payment is scheduled for July 4, 2025. Expect it within 10 working days via direct deposit or mail.
How do I know if I’m eligible for GST payments in 2025?
You’re eligible if you’re a Canadian resident for tax purposes, at least 19 (or meet specific conditions if under 19), and your AFNI is below the phase-out threshold for your family status.
Do I need to apply for GST every year?
No, most residents receive the credit automatically after filing their annual tax return. Newcomers must apply in their first year but may not need to reapply in subsequent years.
What if I don’t receive my GST payment on July 4?
If you haven’t received your payment within 10 working days of July 4, contact the CRA at 1-800-387-1193.
Can international students claim the GST/HST credit?
Yes, international students who are Canadian residents for tax purposes can apply using Form RC151 (or Form RC66 if they have children).
How is the GST payment amount determined?
The CRA calculates your credit based on your 2024 AFNI, family status, and number of children under 19.
The maximum amounts are $533 for singles, $698 for couples, and $184 per child.
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