Canada GST/HST credit payments go out soon — You can receive up to $650
Overview, eligibility and how much you can receive. 👇
A pile of GST/HST credit cheques sent out to Canadians by the Canada Revenue Agency.
With tax season well underway, it's important to brush up on any Government of Canada benefits and credits you could be eligible for when filing, so you can get your hands on some extra cash and/or offset Canada's current high cost of living.
This upcoming April, the Canada Revenue Agency will be sending out its second GST/HST payment and Canadian residents could receive up to $650 through this tax-free credit.
Considering taxes, benefits and credits are often a headache to figure out, we've detailed everything you need to know about what the GST/HST credit is, how to apply, who is eligible and just how much you can receive from the federal credit.
What is the GST/HST credit?
The goods and services tax/harmonized sales tax (GST/HST) credit is a tax-free quarterly payment designed to assist individuals and families with low to modest incomes by offsetting the GST or HST they pay.
It may also include payments from provincial and territorial programs, the CRA indicates.
Who is eligible for the GST/HST credit?
Per the CRA, to be eligible for the GST/HST credit, you must be at least 19 years old before April 1, 2024.
If you're under 19, you must meet at least one of the following conditions during the same period:
- Have (or had) a spouse or common-law partner.
- Be (or were) a parent living (or lived) with your child.
Additionally, you must be a Canadian resident for income tax purposes:
- In the month preceding the CRA's payment.
- At the beginning of the month the CRA makes the payment.
How to apply for the GST/HST credit
According to the Canada Revenue Agency, there is no official application form — all you have to do to receive the GST/HST credit each year is file your taxes, even if you have no income to report.
New residents of Canada can apply for the GST/HST credit without needing to file their first tax return. Here's how:
- Complete the appropriate form:
- If you have children: Fill out and sign form RC66 - Canada Child Benefits Application.
- If you don't have children: Fill out and sign form RC151, GST/HST Credit and Canada Carbon Rebate Application for Individuals who become residents of Canada.
- Mail the completed form to your tax centre.
- If you have children, claim the GST/HST credit for them.
- To ensure you receive the credit for your child:
- Sign in to My Account.
- Go to Apply for Child Benefits.
- Confirm your contact information, marital status, and citizenship.
- Add your child’s details.
After applying, you can track your application status in My Account.
How much can you receive from the GST/HST credit?
Your GST/HST credit payments are determined by your adjusted family net income and the number of children under 19 registered for benefits, per the CRA.
For singles, it's based on line 23600 of your tax return or an equivalent amount. For couples, your combined net incomes determine the family net income. For the 2022 base year (July 2023 to June 2024), payments could be:
- Singles: Up to $496
- Married/Common-law: Up to $650
- Each child under 19: Up to $171
When are the GST/HST credit payment dates?
The Canada Revenue Agency usually sends the GST/HST credit payments on the fifth day of July, October, January, and April.
For Canadians who do not receive the GST/HST credit payment on the date specific, it is recommended by the CRA to wait 10 business days before contacting them.
Furthermore, for residents turning 19 years old, the CRA will issue your first payment on the payment date after your 19th birthday if you have filed your tax return and are entitled to the GST/HST credit.
Payment Dates:
- January 5, 2024
- April 5, 2024
- July 5, 2024
- October 5, 2024
Canada's tax deadline is April 30, 2024.
This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.
- A New 'Grocery Rebate' Of Up To $234 Will Reportedly Go Out To Millions Of Canadians ›
- Canadians Can Receive Payments From Several Government Benefits & Credits In March ›
- Quebec Residents Can Receive Payments From These Government Benefits & Credits In March ›
- 9 Government of Canada jobs hiring right now that don't require a degree to apply - MTL Blog ›
- Canadians can receive payments from these federal benefits and credits in May - MTL Blog ›
