The fourth and final GST/HST credit payment of 2025 is set to arrive on Friday, October 3, bringing financial relief to millions of eligible Canadians. If you’re unsure whether you qualify or how much you could receive, here’s a complete breakdown of everything you need to know about this important tax-free benefit.
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What Is the GST/HST Credit and Who Is It For?
The GST/HST credit is a tax-free quarterly payment from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), designed to help individuals and families with low to modest incomes offset the cost of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) or Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) they pay on everyday purchases.
Includes Federal and Provincial Contributions
In some cases, this credit also includes amounts from provincial or territorial programs, depending on where you live in Canada.
Automatic Consideration When Filing Taxes
Most Canadians don’t need to apply directly—the CRA automatically determines eligibility based on your tax return. However, new residents to Canada must apply separately.
October 2025: Key Federal and Provincial Benefit Payment Dates
If you’re eligible for the GST/HST credit, chances are you may also receive other benefit payments this month, including:
- Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB)
- Advanced Canada Workers Benefit
- Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
- Canada Pension Plan (CPP)
- Old Age Security (OAS)
- Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)
- Veteran Disability Pension
These are all part of Canada’s broader network of income-tested financial supports available throughout the year.
Are You Eligible for the GST/HST Credit in October 2025?
Eligibility for the GST/HST credit depends on several criteria. You qualify if:
Basic Eligibility Requirements
- You’re 19 years of age or older
- Or, if under 19, you meet one of the following:
- Have (or had) a spouse or common-law partner
- Are (or were) a parent living with your child
- You’re a resident of Canada for tax purposes the month before and during the month the payment is issued
Shared Custody Situations
If you share custody of a child, you may receive 50% of the GST/HST credit for that child. This applies to any related provincial or territorial benefits as well.
You can find more detailed eligibility criteria directly on the CRA’s official website.
How to Receive the GST/HST Credit
Simply File Your Taxes
For most Canadians, filing your annual income tax return is all you need to do to receive the GST/HST credit—even if you have no income to report.
Newcomers Must Apply
If you’ve recently moved to Canada, you’ll need to submit a separate application and provide proof of birth for any children when applying for the first time.
You can find additional information on the CRA website, including:
- Income thresholds
- Payment charts
- Supporting documents required
How Much Will You Receive from the GST/HST Credit?
Your 2025 GST/HST credit payment is based on your adjusted family net income from your 2024 tax return. These payments cover the July 2025 to June 2026 benefit year.
2025 Payment Maximums
- Single adult: Up to $533
- Married/common-law couple: Up to $698
- Each child under 19: Additional $184 per child
These amounts represent slight increases from 2024, reflecting adjustments for inflation and cost of living.
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What Factors Can Change Your GST/HST Credit Amount?
The CRA may recalculate your credit amount due to:
- A change in your or your partner’s adjusted family net income
- Reassessment of your tax return
- A child in your care turns 19
- Your marital status changes
- The number of eligible children changes
- Custody arrangements change
- A recipient passes away
To avoid underpayments or overpayments, it’s important to keep your personal and family information up to date with the CRA.
Estimate Your Payment With the CRA’s Online Calculator
The CRA provides an easy-to-use Child and Family Benefits Calculator where you can estimate how much you may receive from the GST/HST credit and other government benefits.
You can find this calculator, as well as full eligibility and payment breakdowns, on the CRA’s official GST/HST credit information page.
Stay Informed and Don’t Miss a Payment
To ensure you receive your GST/HST credit without delay:
- File your taxes on time each year
- Update your marital status, custody arrangements, and dependent information as needed
- Sign up for direct deposit with the CRA to get your money faster
The October 2025 GST/HST credit is more than just a payment—it’s part of a financial support system designed to help Canadians handle the rising cost of living. Make sure you’re getting every dollar you’re entitled to.