CRA GST/HST Credit October 2025 – Payment Dates, Eligibility Rules and How Much You’ll Get

The Goods and Services Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax (GST/HST) credit continues to provide crucial financial relief to low- and modest-income Canadians in 2025. Managed by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), this benefit is completely tax-free and helps households offset the cost of sales taxes on everyday essentials.

As living expenses remain high, the credit has become even more important. With the next installment scheduled for October 2025, millions of households are preparing to receive quarterly payments ranging from $130 to $170, depending on family size and income.

Automatic CRA Process – No Extra Application Needed

The GST/HST credit system is designed to be simple and efficient. Canadians do not need to apply separately—the CRA automatically determines eligibility using information from the 2024 income tax return.

This means that as long as individuals and families have filed their taxes on time, payments are calculated and deposited automatically, ensuring that eligible households receive consistent support every quarter.

Program Overview for 2025

The GST/HST credit is one of the government’s key tools for promoting fairness in the tax system. It provides quarterly relief to households that are most affected by consumption taxes.

GST/HST Credit 2025 at a Glance

• Department: Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
• Benefit Type: Non-taxable quarterly credit
• Payment Frequency: January, April, July, October
• Average Payment: $130 – $170 per quarter
• Target Group: Low- and modest-income Canadians
• Eligibility Basis: 2024 income tax return

Payments are delivered through direct deposit for faster access or by cheque for those not enrolled in electronic banking.

Why the GST/HST Credit Matters

This program redistributes part of the sales tax revenues back to households with limited income, reducing financial strain. Families with children receive additional amounts per child, making the credit particularly valuable for parents balancing food, school costs, and household expenses.

In 2025, when grocery bills, utility costs, and transportation expenses remain high, the credit provides predictable quarterly relief. For a family of four, annual benefits can exceed $1,000, offering a meaningful boost to budgets across the year.

Eligibility Conditions for 2025

Eligibility for the GST/HST credit is determined entirely by the CRA once tax returns are filed. To qualify, individuals must:

1. Be a Canadian resident for tax purposes.
2. Be at least 19 years old by December 31, 2024, or have a spouse/common-law partner, or be a parent.
3. File a 2024 income tax return, even if income is zero.
4. Meet CRA’s income thresholds. Higher-income households may receive reduced or no payments.

Quick Checklist for Eligibility

• Filed 2024 income tax return.
• Meets minimum age or family status requirement.
• Resides in Canada for tax purposes.
• Household income within CRA’s approved limits.

Payment Amounts for October 2025

The size of the credit depends on household income and family size. The CRA divides annual benefits into four equal installments.

GST/HST Credit October 2025 Breakdown

Household Type	Maximum Annual Credit	Quarterly Payment (October 2025)
Single Individual	Up to $519	Around $130
Couple (Combined)	Up to $680	Around $170
Per Child Under 19	Additional $155	Around $39

Example: A couple with two children could receive up to $1,010 annually, equal to about $248 in October 2025—a much-needed boost before year-end expenses.

How Canadians Can Secure Their Payments

While the CRA manages the credit automatically, Canadians should take proactive steps to ensure smooth and timely payments:

• File 2024 taxes before the deadline to avoid delays.
• Keep records updated with CRA, including changes in marital status or address.
• Sign up for direct deposit to receive payments faster and securely.
• Use CRA My Account to track benefit history, check eligibility, and confirm upcoming payment amounts.

These steps are especially important for Canadians who have recently experienced major life changes such as marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child.

GST/HST Credit Payment Schedule for 2025

Payments are issued on a predictable quarterly schedule, helping families budget in advance.

2025 Payment Dates

• January 5, 2025
• April 4, 2025
• July 4, 2025
• October 3, 2025

Those enrolled in direct deposit will typically receive funds within days, while cheque recipients may wait longer.

Key Updates and Considerations for 2025

In 2025, the CRA has emphasized efficiency by tying eligibility directly to tax returns. This ensures accurate calculations based on the most recent family income.

However, Canadians are strongly advised to update the CRA about any family or financial changes. Failure to report could lead to incorrect payments or overpayments, which recipients may later have to repay.

The program’s continued role in offsetting daily costs highlights its importance, particularly as inflation and household budgets remain under pressure.

FAQs on GST/HST Credit October 2025

Q1. Who is eligible for the GST/HST credit in 2025?
Any Canadian resident for tax purposes who files a 2024 income tax return and meets income thresholds qualifies. Applicants must be at least 19 years old by December 31, 2024, or have a spouse/common-law partner or a child.

Q2. How much will I get in October 2025?
Payments range from $130 for singles to $170 for couples, plus $39 per child under 19. A family of four may receive about $248 in October 2025.

Q3. Do I need to apply for the GST/HST credit?
No. The CRA automatically determines eligibility based on your tax return, so no separate application is required.

Q4. How do I ensure I receive my payment on time?
File your taxes, keep your information up to date, and enroll in direct deposit for the fastest, most secure payment.

Q5. When are GST/HST credit payments made in 2025?
Payments are issued quarterly on January 5, April 4, July 4, and October 3, 2025.