$1,000 in Tax-Free Credit: How to Apply for the GST/HST Benefit in Canada Right Now

If you’re living in Canada and earning a low or modest income, you could be eligible for up to $1,000 in tax-free credit through the GST/HST Credit program. This federal benefit is designed to offset the cost of goods and services tax (GST) or harmonized sales tax (HST) that you pay throughout the year. The best part? It’s completely tax-free and paid quarterly — but only if you apply correctly.

What Is the GST/HST Credit?

The GST/HST Credit is a non-taxable payment from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) issued every 3 months to eligible individuals and families. It’s aimed at reducing the impact of GST or HST for those with lower household incomes. You don’t need to pay it back, and it won’t affect your other government benefits.

How Much Can You Get in 2025?

In 2025, eligible Canadians can receive up to $1,000 annually depending on their family size, net income, and marital status. The credit is broken into four quarterly payments, with the next one due in October 2025.

Typical payout range:

$496 per eligible adult
$131 per child under 19
$1,000 or more total for families with dependents

Exact amounts vary and are based on your 2024 tax return.

Who Is Eligible for the GST/HST Credit?

To qualify for this tax-free benefit, you must:

Be a Canadian resident for income tax purposes
Be 18 years or older (or have a spouse/common-law partner or child)
Have filed your income tax return (even if you had no income)
Meet income thresholds (generally under $49,000 for singles and under $65,000 for families)

You don’t need to apply separately if you’ve filed your return — the CRA automatically assesses your eligibility.

How to Apply or Ensure You’re Enrolled

If you already file a yearly tax return, the CRA will automatically consider you. But to be sure:

File your 2024 tax return on time — even if you had zero income
Update your marital status and dependents with CRA
Check My CRA Account online to verify payment status
Register a direct deposit for faster payments

New residents or those turning 18 must submit Form RC151 — GST/HST Credit Application.

When Are Payments Sent in 2025?

The CRA issues GST/HST payments quarterly on:

January 5, 2025
April 4, 2025
July 5, 2025
October 4, 2025

If eligible, you’ll receive a notice from CRA showing your exact credit amount and deposit dates.

Conclusion:

The GST/HST credit offers valuable tax-free income relief for millions of Canadians struggling with rising living costs. If you haven’t filed your taxes or updated your info with CRA, do it now to make sure you don’t miss out on up to $1,000 in free government money. It only takes a few minutes, and the benefit could make a big difference.

Read More: