If you’re a low or middle-income earner in Canada, you could be eligible for tax relief through the updated GST/HST credit program. As of May 2025, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has introduced new income thresholds and increased payment amounts for this vital benefit.
This article breaks down everything you need to know about the 2025 GST/HST credit, including how much you might receive, whether you still qualify, and when the quarterly payments are scheduled to arrive.
Table of Contents
What Is the GST/HST Credit?
The Goods and Services Tax / Harmonized Sales Tax (GST/HST) credit is a quarterly tax-free payment that helps offset sales taxes for lower and middle-income Canadians. It’s automatically determined based on your annual income and family situation from the previous tax year.
Who Qualifies for the 2025 GST/HST Credit?
To be eligible for the GST/HST credit in 2025, you must meet all of the following criteria:
- You are 19 years of age or older
- You are either single, married, in a common-law relationship, or a parent living with your child
- Your 2024 net income falls within the new CRA thresholds
Even if you earned no income last year, filing your tax return is mandatory to receive the credit.
What If You Earn Slightly More Than the Limit?
If your income is slightly over the maximum threshold, you might still receive a partial credit. The payment amount gradually decreases as your income rises.
2025 GST/HST Credit Table: Income Limits and Maximum Annual Payments
Below is the updated CRA payment chart for 2025 based on your 2024 tax return:
| Family Type | Net Income Limit (2024) | Maximum Annual Credit (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Single adult (no children) | Up to $52,255 | $344 |
| Married/Common-law (no children) | Up to $55,700 | $448 |
| Single parent with 1 child | Up to $58,000 | $606 |
| Couple with 2 children | Up to $63,500 | $924 |
Each additional child typically adds $172 to the total payment unless your family income is too high to qualify.
How the CRA Calculates Your GST/HST Credit
The amount you receive depends on several key factors:
- Your net income after taxes and deductions
- Your marital status
- The number of dependent children in your household
Annual Adjustments for Inflation
The CRA adjusts credit amounts annually based on inflation. In 2025, the base amounts were increased slightly to reflect higher living costs.
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Key Income Limits to Know in 2025
Understanding the updated income thresholds is essential. These limits determine whether you’ll receive the full credit, a partial amount, or none at all.
- Single adults earning over $52,255 may receive reduced or no payments
- Couples with two children earning more than $63,500 typically no longer qualify
- Each child adds up to $172 to your annual credit
These changes allow more families to benefit during times of economic pressure and inflation.
Payment Schedule: When Will You Get Your GST/HST Credit in 2025?
The CRA distributes GST/HST credit payments four times a year. For the 2025–2026 period, the payment dates are:
- July 5, 2025
- October 4, 2025
- January 3, 2026
- April 4, 2026
How You’ll Receive Your Payment
Payments are sent by direct deposit to your bank account or mailed as a cheque. Be sure your banking and address information is updated with CRA to avoid delays or missed payments.
Keep CRA Informed of Any Changes
If your income, marital status, or family size changes during the year, notify the CRA immediately. This ensures you’re receiving the correct payment amount and avoids repayment issues later.
Final Thoughts
The updated GST/HST credit for 2025 provides important financial support for Canadian households feeling the pressure of rising costs. With increased maximum amounts and broader income thresholds, more Canadians than ever may qualify for these quarterly tax-free payments.
Don’t forget to file your taxes, even if you made no income, and review your eligibility based on the CRA’s latest figures.
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