The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is gearing up to distribute the highly anticipated HST/GST payment on April 4, 2025, offering much-needed financial relief to low- and modest-income Canadians. This quarterly, tax-free benefit is designed to offset the costs of goods and services tax (GST) and harmonized sales tax (HST) that individuals and families encounter in their daily lives. Whether you’re a long-time resident, a newcomer to Canada, or a temporary resident wondering about your eligibility, this comprehensive guide dives into every detail. Check eligibility criteria, payment amounts and dates, how much you can get, application processes, and the upcoming GST increase set for mid-2025.
The GST/HST credit is a cornerstone of Canada’s social support system, providing quarterly, non-taxable payments to help low- and modest-income households manage the taxes embedded in everyday purchases—like groceries, gas, and clothing. Introduced to balance out the regressive nature of consumption taxes, this credit ensures that those with limited financial means aren’t disproportionately burdened by GST and HST. Here’s why it matters:
- Quarterly Payments: Issued four times a year, including the upcoming April 4, 2025, disbursement.
- Income-Based: Calculated using your previous year’s tax return (2023 for the current cycle, 2024 for mid-2025 adjustments).
- Family-Friendly: Covers you, your spouse or common-law partner, and dependent children under 19.
For newcomers to Canada or temporary residents, this benefit can be a game-changer, easing the transition into a new country with tangible financial support. Let’s break down who qualifies, how to apply, and what you can expect in your bank account come April.
Eligibility for the GST/HST credit hinges on a few key factors. Whether you’re a single individual, a couple, a parent, or a newcomer to Canada, understanding these criteria is essential to ensure you don’t miss out.
General Eligibility Criteria
- Canadian Residency: You must be a resident of Canada for tax purposes at the start of the payment month (April 1, 2025, in this case). This includes permanent residents, citizens, and certain temporary residents (more on that below).
- Age Requirement: You need to be at least 19 years old in the month the payment is issued. However, there are exceptions for younger individuals:
- You’re married or in a common-law relationship.
- You’re a parent living with your child.
If you’ve recently arrived in Canada—whether as an international student, work permit holder, or new permanent resident—you might be wondering if you qualify. The good news? Yes, you can! But there’s a catch: the CRA won’t automatically enroll you based on a tax return if you haven’t filed one yet. Here’s how newcomers fit in:
- Temporary Residents: If you’ve lived in Canada for at least 183 days in a year and intend to stay, you may qualify as a resident for tax purposes.
- This classification includes students on study permits or workers on temporary permits, provided you meet CRA residency guidelines.
- No Income? No Problem: Even if you had little or no income in 2023, you’re still eligible as long as you file a tax return or submit the right forms (more on the application process below).
Getting your hands on the April 4, 2025, payment is straightforward for most Canadians—but newcomers and temporary residents may need to take extra steps. Here’s a tailored breakdown:
For Existing Canadian Residents
- File Your Taxes: The CRA uses your 2023 income tax return to assess eligibility and calculate your payment. Even if you earned $0 in 2023, filing is mandatory to trigger the credit.
- Automatic Enrollment: No separate application is needed—once your return is processed, the CRA determines your entitlement and sends a notice in July 2024 outlining your quarterly amounts.
For Newcomers to Canada and Temporary Residents
If you’re new to Canada or haven’t filed a tax return yet, you’ll need to apply manually. The process varies depending on your situation:
- If You Don’t Have Children:
- Complete Form RC151: The GST/HST Credit and Canada Carbon Rebate Application for Individuals Who Become Residents of Canada.
- Provide details about your residency status, arrival date, and income (if any).
- Fill out Form RC66: The Canada Child Benefit Application, which also ties into GST/HST eligibility.
- Include Form RC66SCH: Status in Canada and Income Information to clarify your residency and earnings.
Pro Tip: Temporary residents should consult the CRA’s residency guidelines or call 1-800-387-1193 to confirm their status, as it can impact eligibility.
The GST/HST credit isn’t a one-size-fits-all payment—it’s tailored to your income and family structure. Here’s what you could expect for the July 2024–June 2025 cycle, including the April 4 disbursement:
Current Maximum Amounts
- Single Individual with Child: Up to $519 annually ($129.75 per quarter).
- Married or Common-Law Couple: Up to $680 annually ($170 per quarter).
- Per child under 19 is $179 annually ($44.75 per quarter).
Stay tuned for the mid-2025 increase, which will boost this amount further. Starting July 2025, payments will rise based on your 2024 tax return, reflecting inflation adjustments and policy updates:
- Single Individuals with a child: Up to $533 annually (previously $340).
- Couples: Up to $698 annually (combined).
- Per child, GST payment is up to $184 annually (previously $179).
- Single Supplement: Up to $184 annually for low-income singles.
Mark your calendars! Here are the confirmed GST/HST payment dates for 2025: April 4, 2025, July 4, 2025 (with the increased amounts), and October 3, 2025. If your payment doesn’t arrive by April 15, 2025 (10 business days after issuance), don’t panic—check CRA My Account, update your info, or contact the CRA for help.
The GST/HST credit is more than a payment—it’s a tool to level the playing field for Canadians facing economic challenges. With the next disbursement arriving on April 4, 2025, and an increase looming in July, now’s the time to ensure you’re enrolled. File your taxes, submit your newcomer forms if needed, and keep your CRA account updated. From single individuals to growing families, this benefit is yours to claim—make it count!
