$680 CRA Credit for Couples : Millions of Canadians could receive up to $680 in annual tax-free support through the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) GST/HST credit for the 2025–2026 benefit year. The quarterly payment, calculated from 2024 income tax returns, is designed to help low- and modest-income households offset the federal sales taxes they pay on everyday essentials.

As inflation continues to strain household budgets across Canada, the credit remains one of the federal government’s most widely distributed financial supports, reaching more than 11 million Canadians annually.

For many families, the payments—issued four times a year—provide predictable financial relief to help cover costs such as groceries, utilities and transportation.

Quick Facts: CRA GST/HST Credit 2025–2026

Maximum annual payment:

• Up to $680 for married or common-law couples
• Up to $519 for single adults
• $161 per child under 19

Payment schedule: Quarterly

First major payment for the 2025–2026 cycle: July 4, 2025

Eligibility requirement: File your 2024 income tax return

Administered by: Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)

What the CRA GST/HST Credit Is and Why It Matters

The GST/HST credit is a non-taxable quarterly payment issued by the Canada Revenue Agency to help eligible Canadians recover some of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) or Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) paid on everyday purchases.

The benefit year runs from July 2025 through June 2026, and payment amounts are adjusted slightly each year to reflect inflation and cost-of-living pressures.

Federal officials say the credit plays a key role in Canada’s income-support framework by helping lower-income households manage rising prices.

Maximum CRA GST/HST Credit Amounts for 2025–2026

For the upcoming benefit year, eligible recipients could receive the following maximum annual payments:

Family Type	Maximum Annual Credit
Single adult (no children)	$519
Married or common-law couple	$680
Additional amount per child under 19	$161

Families with children can receive significantly higher amounts.

For example, a married couple with two children could receive up to $1,002 annually, depending on their household income.

Income Thresholds and Phase-Out Rules

Eligibility and payment amounts depend on adjusted family net income, based on the 2024 tax return.

Family Type	Full Credit Income Range	Phase-Out Begins
Single adult	Up to about $41,000	Above $41,001
Couple	Up to about $43,000	Above $43,001
Families with children	Up to about $47,000	Above $47,001

Once income exceeds the threshold, the credit is gradually reduced by roughly 5% of income above the limit, rather than ending abruptly.

Who Qualifies for the CRA GST/HST Credit in 2025

To receive the credit, individuals must:

• Be a resident of Canada for tax purposes
• Be 19 years or older, or
• Have a spouse/common-law partner, or
• Be a parent living with a child

Eligibility is determined automatically once the 2024 income tax return is filed.

Even Canadians with little or no income are encouraged to file taxes, as doing so may qualify them for several federal benefits.

Who May Not Be Eligible

Some individuals may not qualify for the credit, including:

• People who do not file a 2024 tax return
• Non-residents of Canada
• Individuals incarcerated for more than 90 days
• Those whose income exceeds the program’s phase-out thresholds

However, newcomers, refugees and protected persons can qualify once they establish tax residency in Canada.

CRA GST/HST Credit Payment Dates (2025–2026)

The CRA issues payments every three months.

Expected payment dates include:

• January 3, 2025
• April 4, 2025
• July 4, 2025
• October 3, 2025
• January 3, 2026
• April 3, 2026
• July 3, 2026
• October 2, 2026

Most Canadians receive payments through direct deposit, while mailed cheques may take additional time.

Provincial GST Credit Top-Ups

Several provinces offer additional credits tied to the federal GST/HST program.

Examples include:

Ontario:
Provides additional relief through the Ontario Sales Tax Credit, worth up to about $300 annually per family.

British Columbia and Nova Scotia:
Offer regional supplements calculated automatically based on tax filings.

Quebec:
Uses a separate QST credit administered by Revenu Québec.

These provincial supports are typically calculated automatically using the same tax information.

How to Receive the GST/HST Credit

Canadians do not need to apply separately for the GST/HST credit.

To ensure eligibility:

1. File your 2024 income tax return by April 30, 2025
2. Register for direct deposit through CRA My Account
3. Check your benefit status through the CRA portal

If personal circumstances change—such as marital status or custody arrangements—recipients may need to update their information using CRA forms RC65 or RC66.

Economic Impact for Canadian Households

Federal analysts say the GST/HST credit continues to play an important role in helping households manage rising living costs.

The program:

• Supports more than 11 million Canadians annually
• Helps offset sales taxes on essential purchases
• Provides predictable quarterly income support
• Can exceed $1,000 annually for families with multiple children

As inflation remains a concern, the credit serves as an important component of Canada’s broader income-support and affordability strategy.

FAQs

What is the maximum GST/HST credit for 2025?

Eligible couples can receive up to $680 annually, while single individuals may receive up to $519, plus $161 for each child under 19.

When will CRA send GST/HST payments in 2025?

Payments are issued quarterly, with expected dates of January 3, April 4, July 4, and October 3, 2025, continuing into 2026.

Do I need to apply for the GST/HST credit?

No. Eligibility is automatically assessed when you file your income tax return.

Can newcomers to Canada receive the credit?

Yes. Newcomers, refugees and protected persons may qualify after establishing tax residency and filing a tax return.

Will the GST/HST credit affect my taxes or other benefits?

No. The payment is tax-free and does not reduce eligibility for other federal benefits.