GST/HST credit payment is a tax-free credit by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to assist the low- and modest-income Canadians in subsidizing the cost of GST and HST paid on daily goods and services.
The credit payment made through GST/HST in January 2026 is paid on 5 January 2026 and the next payment is scheduled for 2 April 2026, and in some families, up to 700 dollars of the total annual benefit can be provided. In this article, the we will describes payment dates, eligibility criteria, maximum amounts, income limits and real examples, based on the latest CRA payment structure.
Canada GST/HST Credit 2026 Overview
GST/HST Credit is a non-taxable income received by the Canadian Citizens quarterly. The reason behind offering this credit is to reduce the cost of federal goods and services tax and when it is needed the HST. Canadians will get the tax credit which they have paid at the time of buying some goods and services. GST/HST taxes are managed by the CRA aka the Canada Revenue Agency. We can say that through this tax credit, the Canadians get their pay back which they have spent at the time of spending on groceries, utilities, or transportation.
What is Canada GST/HST Credit?
The GST/HST credit is a federal rebate which is given to eligible Canadians, four times per year, normally in January, April, July and October. It determines it based on your latest income tax return and it does not need a separate application. By submitting your taxes in time and satisfying the eligibility requirements the CRA will automatically calculate the amount that you are entitled to and send you the payment.
Canada GST/HST Credit 2026 Eligibility
To get the benefit the applicants need to prove their eligibility for the GST/HST credit. The eligibility criteria are decided by the CRA at the time of filing the tax return. It will be done by automatically. But it’s needed to know the rules and bases.
So, to be eligible, the recipient has to be a Canadian Resident during the time of receiving the tax credit and at the time of filing the return. The recipient must have aged at 19 or older than this. But there are some exceptions when they are under 19. Those recipients who are under 19, they can also become eligible to get the benefit if they are married, that means if they are living with their partner or else if they are having their child, then they can get the tax benefits.
The eligibility also depended up on the net family income of the previous year. The income threshold lies in between $54,704 and $72,244, depending on your family situation. If you will go above the income threshold, then you will not be able to receive the credit. Most of business holders, charities and public institutions, Non-residents need to register under GST/HST.
Amount of the Canada GST/HST Credit 2026
The amount which the recipients receive depended up on the income capabilities of the family. CRA calculated the adjusted net income of the family income to know the eligibility that you are qualifying for the full amount or up to certain amount. The amount is being calculated as per the marital status of the recipient. The recipients are advised to update their personal information with the CRA if they want to avoid the situations like underpayments or overpayments.
In the GST/HST credit income levels section you can find out the payment chart of your entitlement for the base year 2024, as you are receiving the tax credit in 2026. The payment period has begun from July 2025 and it will last up to June 2026. For the base year 2024, the amount is decided to give $533 for a single individual, then $698 for a married persons and an amount of $184 for each child under 19 who is living with you. As your income will rise, the credit will gradually reduce.
Canada GST/HST Credit 2026 Payment Schedule
| Month | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| January | January 5, 2026 |
| April | April 2, 2026 |
| July | July 3, 2026 |
| October | October 5, 2026 |
Maximum Amount of Canada GST/HST Credit 2026
To the benefit year July 2025 to June 2026, the maximum annual amounts are: $533 for a single individual. A married or common-law couple costs $698. Per eligible child who is under 19, $184.
How to Get Your Canada GST/HST Credit?
File your Return on time: This is most important step to be taken. If you want to receive the tax credit, then you have to file your tax return yearly, even if there is no income. In that case file nil return. Many of the citizen don’t file their return by thinking this only that there are not generating any income so that there is no need of filing. If you want your credit, then file your return. Always chose direct deposit as it reduces the risk of delay. The new residents of Canada need to fill online forms like Web Form RC151 to get eligibility done. The applicants have to open their My Service Canada Account to apply, track and view the information regarding the payment.
So do not forget to file your return. At the time of inflation, it will become a life saviour and can help you to manage your finances. Update your personal information with the CRA. Chose electronic method of payment to avoid the delays and always check the updates in the official website.
Fact Check About Canada GST/HST Credit 2026
The first GST/HST credit payment was paid on January 5, 2026 is an excellent tax-free entitlement that can be used by all Canadians to alleviate financial strain and the next payment is scheduled for 2 April 2026. The credit has generous support in terms of credit of up to $533 per quarter to single individuals depending on income and family conditions. So, be sure to file your tax returns yearly, ensure that your personal information is updated and also enrolled to direct deposits so that you may enjoy quicker access to your payments.
How much is the GST HST credit for 2026?
A 2 percent amendment would: Approximately $543 on one person. Approximately 712 on couples or common-law partners. About $188 per eligible child.
Who gets GST HST credit in Canada?
To qualify this credit you need to be a resident of Canada at the end of the month before and the start of the month in which the CRA uses the credit to make a payment (read When your GST/HST credit is paid). You should be at least 19 years old in the month preceding the CRA payment of a quarterly payment.
Who is not eligible for GST credit?
You are not obliged to pay tax in Canada, since you are an officer or a servant of a foreign country (as a diplomat) or a member of family or employee of a person. It makes you spend at least 90 consecutive days in a prison or a similar establishment.
FAQ’s on Canada GST/HST Credit 2026
Can we say that every individual will get the GST/HST credit at the same amount in January 2026?
No. Amounts depend on income, marital status and the children. The amount you are entitled to receive in January is normally a quarter of your annual allowance.
Am I entitled to the GST/HST credit when I earned little or none of the income in 2024?
Yes. Even not having an income, you must fill in a tax return to get evaluated on the credit.
Do you tax the GST/HST credit taxable income?
No. The GST/HST credit does not incur any tax and does not interfere with any other benefits of the federal government.