The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has officially confirmed a one-time extra GST/HST credit for Canadians in 2025. This new measure is designed to help low- and modest-income households struggling with rising food, rent, and utility costs.
The extra GST credit will be issued automatically to eligible Canadians and could be worth hundreds of dollars per household. With inflation still impacting daily living, this announcement provides much-needed relief.
In this article, we explain who qualifies, the payment amounts, the dates, and how Canadians can ensure they receive their money on time.
What Is the One-Time Extra GST Credit?
The one-time extra GST credit is an additional payment on top of the regular GST/HST credit that Canadians already receive quarterly.
- It is a tax-free payment.
- It is meant to offset rising costs of living.
- It is automatic—no separate application is required.
This credit is calculated based on your 2024 tax return and will be deposited directly into your bank account if you have set up direct deposit with CRA.
How Much Will Canadians Receive?
The actual amount depends on your family size, marital status, and income level. The CRA uses your previous year’s tax return to determine eligibility.
Here is an estimated breakdown of the extra GST credit amounts in 2025:
| Household Type | Maximum Extra Payment |
|---|---|
| Single adult (no children) | Up to $234 |
| Married or common-law couple | Up to $306 |
| Each child under 19 | Up to $161 per child |
| Family of four (2 adults, 2 children) | Up to $575.50 |
These amounts may vary depending on income level, but low- and modest-income families will benefit the most.
Eligibility Criteria
Not every Canadian will receive the extra GST credit. You must meet the following requirements:
- Be a Canadian resident for tax purposes.
- Have filed your 2024 income tax return.
- Meet the income thresholds for GST/HST credit.
- Be eligible for the regular GST/HST credit.
If you already qualify for the regular GST/HST credit, you will automatically qualify for this one-time payment.
Payment Dates
The CRA issues the GST/HST credit every quarter. The extra GST credit will likely follow the same schedule in 2025–2026:
- January 2025
- April 2025
- July 2025
- October 2025
If you are eligible, you can expect the extra amount to appear in your account along with one of these regular quarterly payments.
How Will Payments Be Delivered?
The CRA delivers the GST/HST credit through two main methods:
- Direct Deposit – Fastest and most secure. Funds are deposited straight into your bank account.
- Mailed Cheque – For those not registered for direct deposit, a cheque will be mailed to your address.
To avoid delays, Canadians are strongly encouraged to sign up for direct deposit through their CRA My Account or their bank.
Why This Payment Matters
This one-time extra credit arrives at a time when many Canadians face financial strain. It will help cover:
- Groceries and food bills
- Rent and utilities
- Transportation costs
- Medical expenses
For families with children, the payment could provide up to $575.50, offering significant relief against ongoing cost-of-living pressures.
How to Make Sure You Get Paid
To ensure you receive the extra GST credit:
- File your 2024 tax return on time, even if you earned no income.
- Update your personal information with CRA (address, marital status, dependents).
- Sign up for direct deposit to get payments quickly.
- Check CRA notices to confirm your eligibility and payment details.
There is no separate application required—CRA will automatically calculate and issue the payment.
The CRA’s one-time extra GST credit in 2025 is a welcome boost for millions of Canadians dealing with high inflation and rising daily costs. Worth up to $575.50 for families, this tax-free payment will be issued automatically to those who qualify.
To ensure you don’t miss out, make sure your tax return is filed, your banking details are updated, and you’re registered for direct deposit. For many households, this payment will provide essential relief and help balance monthly budgets during challenging economic times.
FAQs
Do I need to apply for the one-time extra GST credit?
No. If you are eligible for the regular GST/HST credit and filed your 2024 tax return, you will receive the payment automatically.
How much can I receive from this extra payment?
Individuals can receive up to $234, couples up to $306, and families with children up to $575.50, depending on income.
When will the payment be made?
The extra credit will be added to one of the regular GST/HST quarterly payments in January, April, July, or October 2025.