Introduction to GST/HST Credit
The GST/HST credit is a tax-free quarterly payment from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) designed to help low- and middle-income Canadians offset the goods and services tax (GST) or harmonized sales tax (HST) on everyday purchases. This payment is automatically deposited into your bank account every three months or delivered by check if you don’t have direct deposit.
How is the GST/HST Credit Calculated?
The GST/HST credit is calculated based on your net income, marital status, and the number of children in your household. Generally, the lower your household income, the higher your quarterly payment will be. The CRA uses the information from your tax return for the previous year to determine your eligibility and calculate the amount you will receive each pay period.
Understanding Payment Periods
The CRA uses the information from your tax return to determine which years your payments are based on. The following table helps clarify which payment dates are affected by which years:
- 2025: July 2026 – June 2027, with payments in July 2026, October 2026, January 2027, and April 2027.
- 2024: July 2025 – June 2026, with payments in July 2025, October 2025, January 2026, and April 2026.
- 2023: July 2024 – June 2025, with payments in July 2024, October 2024, January 2025, and April 2025.
- 2022: July 2023 – June 2024, with payments in July 2023, October 2023, January 2024, and April 2024.
- 2021: July 2022 – June 2023, with payments in July 2022, October 2022, January 2023, and April 2023.
GST/HST Loan Payment Dates for 2026
The GST/HST credit is paid quarterly, typically in January, April, July, and October, if you have filed your taxes for the previous year. For 2026, the official payment dates are:
- January 5, 2026
- April 2, 2026
- July 3, 2026
- October 5, 2026
If you receive your GST/HST credit via direct deposit, the amount should appear in your account on these dates. If your payments are mailed by check, they may take up to 10 business days to arrive.
Checking Your Payment Plan
You can view your personalized GST/HST loan payment plan through your CRA My Account:
- Log in to CRA My Account.
- Click on “Benefits and Credits.”
- Look for the GST/HST credit in your payment summary.
This portal shows your next payment date, the amount, and whether the payment will be made via direct deposit or mail.
What to Do if Your Payment is Late or Missing
If your payment is not received by the expected date, follow these steps:
- Expect Processing Delays: If you receive payment by mail, wait 10 business days after the scheduled date before contacting the CRA. For direct deposit, check your bank account and CRA My Account.
- Check CRA My Account: Your account will show when payment has been made, if there are delays, and if your account information is out of date.
- Check if Your Address or Bank Has Changed: Update your information online through CRA My Account or by calling the CRA if you’ve moved or changed banks.
- Contact the CRA: Reach out to the CRA for assistance if you’ve checked all other steps.
Conclusion
The GST/HST credit is a valuable resource for low- and middle-income Canadians to offset the GST/HST on their purchases. Understanding how it’s calculated, when payments are made, and how to manage your payment plan can help ensure you receive the benefits you’re eligible for. If you encounter any issues with your payments, following the steps outlined can help resolve them efficiently. Remember, staying informed and regularly checking your CRA My Account can make managing your GST/HST credit straightforward.