CRA Confirms GST/HST Tax Credit 2025 – Payment Dates, Eligibility Rules, and Amounts Revealed

Many Canadians rely on the GST/HST credit to minimize financial stress by receiving tax-free quarterly support for everyday expenses. With the next installment scheduled for October 2025, households are closely watching the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) guidelines to ensure they remain eligible and ready to receive their benefit.

Purpose of the GST/HST Credit

The GST/HST credit is a non-taxable payout, created to reduce the tax burden on individuals and families with low or modest incomes. By offering quarterly financial relief, the program supports vulnerable households struggling with inflation, groceries, and school-related expenses. The CRA directly manages this program and ensures that payments are processed without requiring additional applications.

CRA GST/HST Credit 2025 Overview

• Department: Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
• Program Name: GST/HST Credit 2025
• Country: Canada
• Amount Range: $130 – $170 per quarter (plus child benefit top-ups)
• Payment Frequency: Quarterly – January, April, July, and October
• Type of Benefit: Tax-free, refundable credit
• Beneficiaries: Low and modest-income individuals and families
• CRA Website: canada.ca

Why the GST/HST Credit Matters in 2025

The year 2025 has seen higher living costs across Canada, pushing more households to rely on CRA’s quarterly payouts. This credit is not just a refund; it represents essential support to cover daily needs. Families often use the October installment to manage back-to-school expenses and prepare for the upcoming holiday season.

Eligibility Rules for the GST/HST Credit 2025

To qualify for the October 2025 GST/HST credit, applicants must meet the following conditions:

• Be a resident of Canada for tax purposes.
• File a 2024 income tax return (mandatory even if income is low).
• Be at least 19 years old by December 31, 2024, or have a spouse/common-law partner, or be a parent living with a child.
• Household income must fall within CRA’s approved threshold. Higher-income families may receive reduced payments or be excluded altogether.

Payment Details for October 2025

The GST/HST credit payment depends on family size and income level. The October installment will reflect these amounts:

Category	Maximum Annual Credit	October 2025 Payment (Quarterly)
Single Individual	Up to $519 annually	About $130
Couple (Combined)	Up to $680 annually	About $170
Child under 19	Extra $155 annually	About $39 per child

This means a family of four could see more than $248 in October alone when including child benefits.

No Application Required – Automatic Benefit

One of the biggest advantages of the GST/HST credit is that no separate application is required. As long as Canadians file their tax returns, the CRA automatically assesses eligibility and credits the payment. This streamlined system ensures benefits reach households quickly and efficiently.

How to Ensure You Receive Your Payment

To avoid interruptions or delays in receiving the October 2025 installment, Canadians are advised to:

• File their 2024 tax return on time.
• Keep CRA My Account details updated, including mailing address and banking information.
• Report any marital status changes, moves, or dependent updates immediately.
• Opt for direct deposit, which is faster than mailed cheques.

Payment Schedule for 2025

The CRA issues GST/HST credits four times per year. For 2025–2026, the schedule is as follows:

Quarter	Payment Date	Direct Deposit Arrival	Mail Cheque Delivery
January 2025	January 5	Jan 7–8	Jan 15–20
April 2025	April 5	Apr 7–8	Apr 15–20
July 2025	July 5	Jul 7–8	Jul 15–20
October 2025	October 5	Oct 7–8	Oct 14–19

The October installment is expected to reach bank accounts within 2–3 business days, while mailed cheques may take an additional week to arrive.

GST/HST Credit and Other Benefits

The GST/HST credit is often paired with other CRA-administered support programs, including:

• Canada Child Benefit (CCB) – Monthly payments for families with children.
• Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Old Age Security (OAS) – Retirement income supports.
• Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) – Added support for seniors.

Together, these programs aim to strengthen Canada’s social safety net, especially for households hit hardest by inflation.

FAQs on GST/HST Credit October 2025

Q1: When will the next GST/HST credit be paid in 2025?
The next installment is scheduled for October 5, 2025, with direct deposits arriving by October 7–8.

Q2: How much will I get in the October 2025 payment?
Singles can receive about $130, couples around $170, and families with children get an extra $39 per child.

Q3: Do I need to apply for the GST/HST credit?
No. The CRA automatically determines eligibility based on your 2024 tax return.

Q4: What if my banking or personal details have changed?
Update your information through the CRA My Account portal to ensure smooth deposit of payments.

Q5: Who qualifies for the GST/HST credit in 2025?
Eligibility is based on residency, age (19+), marital/parental status, and income within the CRA’s approved limits.