Good news for Canadians in 2025! If you meet the eligibility criteria, you could receive a GST credit of up to $680. This is a valuable benefit that can help with the rising costs of goods and services. Let’s break down the details you need to know about this payment.
What is the GST Credit?
The GST credit, also called the Goods and Services Tax credit, is a payment made by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). It is aimed at helping families with low or moderate incomes pay for everyday expenses. The credit helps balance the impact of the GST or HST (Harmonized Sales Tax) paid on things like groceries, clothing, and other essential items.
This payment is non-taxable, meaning you don’t have to pay taxes on it. The amount you get will depend on your annual income and family size, so it’s different for everyone.
Key Details About the GST Credit
Here’s what you need to know about the GST credit:
- Payment Frequency: The GST credit is paid four times a year, with the first payment happening in January 2025.
- How Payments are Calculated: The payment amount depends on your household’s income from the previous year. If you are married, live with a common-law partner, or have children under 19, the amount could be higher.
- Eligibility: To qualify, you must be a Canadian resident for tax purposes, and you must be at least 19 years old. If you’re under 19, you can qualify if you are married, in a common-law relationship, or are a parent living with your child.
How Much Can You Receive?
The amount of GST credit you can receive depends on your household situation and income. Here’s the breakdown for the period from July 2024 to June 2025:
- For an individual: Up to $519
- For a common-law couple: Up to $680
- For children under 19: An additional $179 per child
So, if you are eligible, the total payment can really add up depending on the number of people in your household.
Important Dates to Remember
The GST payments are made four times a year. Here are the key dates for 2025:
- January 3, 2025
- April 4, 2025
- July 4, 2025
- October 3, 2025
If you don’t receive your payment by these dates, you need to wait 10 business days. If the payment still doesn’t arrive, you should get in touch with the CRA to make sure there’s no issue with your account.
How to Apply for the GST Credit
To get the GST credit, you need to file your income tax return for 2023. This is the most important step in making sure you get your credit.
- For Canadians: Simply file your tax return, and the CRA will determine if you qualify and send you the payment.
- For Newcomers: If you are new to Canada, such as an international student or someone with a work permit, you will need to file a separate application using form RC-151 to apply for the GST credit.
What to Do If You Don’t Receive Your Payment
If you’ve waited 10 business days and haven’t received your payment, there are a few things you can do:
- Check Your Bank Account: The GST credit will be directly deposited into your bank account, so make sure you check there first.
- Check CRA’s Website: Log into your CRA My Account online to see if your payment has been processed.
- Contact CRA: If you still don’t see your payment, reach out to the CRA. They will confirm your eligibility and make sure your payment information is correct.
- File Form RC-151 for Newcomers: If you’re new to Canada and didn’t file the correct paperwork, you may need to submit form RC-151 to get your credit.
Why This is Good News
This payment is especially good news for those in Canada who struggle to make ends meet. The GST credit helps with everyday costs like food, clothing, and other essentials. For families, it can provide significant relief and make budgeting easier.
By ensuring you meet the eligibility requirements and file your tax return on time, you can get this payment and improve your financial situation in 2025. So, don’t miss out on this opportunity!
