The $496 GST/HST Credit for 2025 is a much-needed financial relief program designed to ease the tax burden on low-income Canadians. With rising living costs, the credit provides direct support by offsetting the impact of Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) on essential purchases. Managed by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), this credit is paid out in four annual installments, with the next confirmed date set for October 3, 2025.
What Is the GST/HST Credit?
The GST/HST Credit is a non-taxable payment issued to low- and modest-income Canadians to help cover the cost of sales taxes on goods and services. Unlike deductions or loans, this benefit comes in the form of quarterly direct payments. For 2025, the maximum credit is $496 for single individuals without dependents, with higher amounts available for families with spouses, partners, or children.
Why the $496 Credit Matters for Families
For many households, even a small financial cushion makes a huge difference. The GST/HST Credit provides:
- Relief from everyday tax costs on food, clothing, and basic services.
- Quarterly stability, allowing families to plan monthly budgets.
- Support for low-income earners, seniors, and single parents.
This benefit is especially vital for households struggling with rising inflation, ensuring they can meet essential needs such as groceries, rent, and transportation.
CRA $496 GST/HST Credit 2025: Key Facts
Here is an overview of the program for quick reference:
| Department | Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) |
|---|---|
| Program | GST/HST Credit |
| Country | Canada |
| Amount | $496 (for single individuals) |
| Installments | 4 per year (January, April, July, October) |
| Next Payment Date | October 3, 2025 |
| Type of Benefit | Non-taxable credit |
| Beneficiaries | Low-income Canadians and families |
| Official Website | canada.ca |
Eligibility Rules for the GST/HST Credit 2025
To qualify for the $496 credit, applicants must meet specific CRA rules:
- Be a resident of Canada for income tax purposes.
- Be at least 19 years old before the payment month.
- If under 19, eligibility may still apply if the applicant has a spouse/common-law partner or is a parent living with a child.
- File a 2024 tax return—even with no income—to establish eligibility.
- Household income must fall below CRA’s net income threshold for full or partial payments.
- Details such as marital status, number of dependents, and address must be accurate and up to date.
Payment Schedule for 2025 GST/HST Credit
The CRA issues payments every three months. For 2025, the schedule is as follows:
- January 3, 2025 – First installment
- April 4, 2025 – Second installment
- July 4, 2025 – Third installment
- October 3, 2025 – Fourth installment
If a payment date falls on a weekend or federal holiday, the CRA advances it to the previous business day. In some cases, if the quarterly amount is less than $50, the CRA combines it into a single annual payment.
Breakdown of the $496 GST/HST Credit
The total credit varies depending on family status and the number of children.
| Household Type | Maximum Annual Credit (2025) |
|---|---|
| Single, no children | $496 |
| Married/Common-law | Higher than $496 (depends on combined income and dependents) |
| With children | Additional amounts per child under 19 |
This tiered structure ensures that larger families receive more support compared to single individuals.
October 2025 Installment Update
The October 3, 2025 payment will mark the fourth installment of the year. This payout is determined based on 2024 tax return data. The CRA stresses the importance of filing taxes on time, as missed returns may delay or block payments entirely.
Careful updating of marital status, number of dependents, and address changes is also crucial, as these factors directly affect credit eligibility.
How to Ensure Timely Payments
To avoid delays or missed credits, Canadians should:
- File 2024 taxes before the deadline.
- Keep personal details updated with the CRA.
- Register for direct deposit to receive payments directly into a bank account.
- Review CRA notices for updates or recalculations of benefit amounts.
Why Filing Taxes Matters for GST/HST Credit
Even if you did not earn income in 2024, filing a return is necessary. The CRA uses tax return data to calculate the GST/HST credit. Missing a tax filing could mean losing eligibility for payments, regardless of income level.
Additional CRA Benefits Linked to GST/HST Credit
The GST/HST Credit often overlaps with other CRA-administered support programs, such as:
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- Canada Child Benefit (CCB) – For families raising children.
- Climate Action Incentive – For eligible provinces.
- Provincial and Territorial Supplements – Some regions add their own credits alongside federal GST/HST payments.
FAQs on $496 GST/HST Credit 2025
Q1. How much is the GST/HST Credit for 2025?
The maximum is $496 for single individuals, with additional amounts for families and children under 19.
Q2. When is the next GST/HST payment date?
The next installment is confirmed for October 3, 2025.
Q3. Do I need to file taxes to receive the credit?
Yes. Even if you had no income in 2024, filing a return is mandatory to qualify.
Q4. How many payments are issued each year?
The CRA pays the GST/HST credit in four installments—January, April, July, and October.
Q5. Can my GST/HST Credit amount change during the year?
Yes. Changes in marital status, dependents, or income can affect eligibility and payment amounts.
