October is almost here, and that means another round of government payments is on the way for millions of Canadians.
The next GST/HST Credit deposit will be landing in bank accounts very soon, giving eligible households a little relief from the ever-rising cost of living.
This quarterly benefit from the Canada Revenue Agency is designed to help offset what low- and modest-income Canadians pay in goods and services tax (GST) and harmonized sales tax (HST) on things like groceries, gas and other essentials. If you've been keeping an eye on GST payment dates in 2025, you know the October deposit is just about here.
Depending where you live in Canada, your October 2025 GST/HST Credit payment could also come with provincial top-ups added on — enough to push some totals past $700 for an individual or over $1,000 for a family of four.
This fall's payout is the final GST/HST Credit of the year, so here's a breakdown of when it's coming, who qualifies and how much you might be able to collect.
What is the GST/HST Credit?
The GST/HST Credit is a tax-free benefit that the Canada Revenue Agency sends out four times a year. Its purpose is to support people and families with low or modest incomes by easing the impact of goods and services tax and harmonized sales tax on things they buy every day.
Alongside the federal credit, several provinces also add their own top-up payments. Because of that, the amount you receive can differ depending on which part of Canada you live in.
Who is eligible for the GST/HST Credit?
To receive the GST/HST Credit, you must be a Canadian resident for tax purposes and not fall under any tax-exempt categories. You also need to be at least 19 years old during the month before the payment goes out, unless you're married, living common-law or a parent living with your child.
The CRA looks at your household income and family size to decide how much you qualify for. Payments for July 2025 to April 2026 are based on the information you provided in your 2024 tax return.
The credit is gradually reduced once your family income passes $45,521 and phases out completely above certain limits:
- $56,181 for a single person without children
- $59,481 for a couple without children
- $63,161 for a single parent or couple with one child
- $66,841 for two children
- $70,521 for three children
- $74,201 for four children
How to apply for the GST/HST Credit
For most Canadians, there's no separate application needed for the GST/HST Credit. As long as you file your tax return every year — even if you didn't earn any income — the CRA will check your information, confirm eligibility and calculate your payment automatically.
If you're a newcomer to Canada, you'll need to register by filling out Form RC151. If you have children, you must also submit documents that confirm their birth. Once everything is ready, you can send the form and supporting papers either online or directly to your local tax centre.
How much is the GST/HST Credit?
The size of your GST/HST Credit payment depends on your household income and how many people are in your family. The CRA recalculates it each year using your most recent tax return.
For the current benefit year, the maximum amounts per quarter are:
- $133.25 for a single individual, plus
- $41.25 more if you have a spouse or common-law partner, and
- $46.00 for each child (or $87.25 for the first child if you're a single parent)
With those numbers, a couple with two children could receive as much as $266.50 in each quarterly payment, which works out to $1,066 over the full year.
On top of the federal payment, some provinces provide extra credits that are deposited at the same time. Depending on your province and situation, those top-ups can add as much as $575.50 for individuals, meaning some Canadians could get a payment of up to $708.75 — or even more if their family is larger.
How is the GST/HST Credit calculated?
The CRA calculates your GST/HST Credit by looking at three things: your income, your family situation and how many children live with you. For the 2025-26 benefit year, which runs from July 2025 through June 2026, those amounts are based on the details you reported in your 2024 tax return.
Here's the breakdown:
- Base credit — Start with $349 for you, another $349 for your spouse or partner, plus $184 for every child under 19. If you're a single parent, your first child is treated like a partner equivalent, so that amount is $349 instead of $184.
- Single supplement — If you're single and earn more than $11,337, the CRA adds 2% of your income above that line. The supplement maxes out at $184 once your income hits $20,537.
- Combine the amounts — These pieces are added together to get your starting entitlement.
- Income reduction — If your adjusted family net income is higher than $45,521, the CRA subtracts 5% of any amount you earn above that threshold.
The total you end up with is your yearly GST/HST Credit. The CRA divides that figure into four equal deposits spread across the year. If your income, marital status or family size changes, or if your return is reassessed, your payments can be updated along the way.
To avoid the math, you can use the CRA's online child and family benefits calculator, which will also show you any provincial credits that apply in your province.
Is the GST/HST Credit taxable?
No, the GST/HST Credit isn't taxable. Since it's meant to refund part of the sales tax you've already paid, you don't get taxed on the money again.
You also don't need to include it in your income when you file your return, and receiving it won't affect your eligibility for other government programs or credits.
When are the GST/HST Credit payment dates?
The next GST/HST Credit payment (and final payment of the year) is set to go out on Friday, October 3.
While the CRA hasn't released the official 2026 payment dates yet, the credit is typically paid out on the first Friday of every quarter. That means the two remaining payments of the 2025-2026 benefit year are likely to be issued on Friday, January 2 and Friday, April 3.
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