As of today, April 4, 2025, many Canadians are set to receive the second GST/HST credit benefit payments of the year, alongside a one-time federal payment of $300 aimed at providing financial relief amid rising living costs.
The goods and services tax/harmonized sales tax (GST/HST) credit is a tax-free quarterly payment designed for individuals and families with low and modest incomes to help offset the GST or HST they pay. According to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), individuals are automatically considered for the GST/HST credit when they file their taxes. This year, the next GST/HST payment dates will be July 4 and October 3.
To be eligible for the GST/HST credit, individuals must be at least 19 years old, or if under 19, they must meet specific conditions such as having a spouse or common-law partner, or being a parent living with their child. Additionally, applicants must be residents of Canada for tax purposes during the month preceding the payment. Notably, parents in shared custody may be eligible for half of the GST/HST credit for their child.
New residents of Canada must apply for the GST/HST credit, and first-time applicants need to provide proof of birth for their children. For the 2023 base year, which covers the payment period from July 2024 to June 2025, single individuals could receive up to $519, while married or common-law couples could get up to $680, plus an additional $179 for each child under 19.
In addition to the GST/HST credit, many Canadians will also benefit from a one-time federal payment of $300, which is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to support individuals and families facing increased living costs. This payment is designed to stimulate economic activity across the country.
The $300 federal payment is available to Canadian residents aged 18 or older as of December 31, 2024, who have filed their 2023 Income Tax and Benefit Returns by the same date and are not bankrupt or incarcerated in 2024. The government aims to distribute these payments in early 2025, although specific dates may vary.
Eligible individuals will not need to apply for this payment; instead, eligibility will be determined automatically based on their tax filings. Payments will be issued either through direct deposit for those who have set it up with the CRA or via cheque for others.
To ensure timely receipt of the $300 payment, Canadians are encouraged to file their taxes promptly and set up direct deposit through the CRA’s My Account portal. Keeping personal information up to date with the CRA is also crucial for receiving payments without delay.
Both the GST/HST credit and the $300 federal payment reflect the government’s commitment to providing financial support to those in need, especially as the cost of living continues to rise. These initiatives aim not only to assist individuals and families but also to promote economic activity by encouraging spending within local communities.
For more information on eligibility and payment details, Canadians can visit the Government of Canada’s official resources. The CRA provides comprehensive guidelines on how to apply for benefits, including the GST/HST credit, and how to maximize financial support through timely tax filings and direct deposit setups.
In summary, the release of these payments today marks a significant effort by the Canadian government to alleviate financial pressure on its citizens. As many Canadians navigate economic challenges, these benefits are timely and necessary for supporting basic living expenses and stimulating local economies.
