Canada Approves GST/HST Credit Boost: If you’ve been feeling the pinch of rising costs lately, there’s some good news coming out of Ottawa. Canada has officially approved a significant boost to the GST/HST Credit, and depending on where you live, you could receive up to $566 extra per quarter. This financial lift could be a game-changer for millions of Canadians, particularly low- and modest-income households who are struggling with food prices, energy bills, and housing costs.
This newly enhanced credit aims to bring immediate relief and is part of a broader government effort to make life more affordable during a time of economic uncertainty. But how does it work? Who is eligible for these enhanced payments? And which provinces offer the most support? Whether you’re an individual trying to make ends meet or a tax professional looking for accurate guidance, this comprehensive breakdown will give you clarity, confidence, and actionable steps.
Canada Approves GST/HST Credit Boost
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Maximum Extra Credit | Up to $566.75 per quarter (varies by province) |
| Effective Date | Starting from April 2025 payment |
| Eligible Individuals | Low- and modest-income Canadians; must file taxes |
| Top-Up Types | Income Supplements, Carbon Rebates, Climate Credits |
| No Application Needed | Automatically applied via CRA |
| Official Source | Canada.ca – GST/HST Credit |
The newly enhanced GST/HST Credit is a welcome development for Canadians dealing with the ongoing pressures of inflation. With up to $566 extra per quarter in some provinces, the credit can significantly improve your cash flow and help you better manage essential expenses.
Best of all? It’s automatic, provided you file your tax return. Staying informed and proactive means more money in your pocket—without extra paperwork.
What Is the GST/HST Credit?
The Goods and Services Tax / Harmonized Sales Tax (GST/HST) Credit is a quarterly, tax-free payment provided by the federal government. Its purpose is to help lower-income individuals and families recover some of the GST or HST they pay on goods and services. Since sales taxes are regressive—meaning they take up a bigger share of income from those who earn less—this credit levels the playing field a bit.
Who Is Eligible?
To be eligible for the GST/HST Credit, you must:
- Be a Canadian resident for tax purposes
- Be 19 years of age or older, OR have (or had) a spouse or common-law partner, OR be (or have been) a parent who lives (or lived) with their child
- File your income tax and benefit return
Your family net income, marital status, and number of children determine how much you can receive. If your income is too high, you might receive a partial credit or none at all.
You don’t need to apply separately. Simply filing your income taxes ensures you’re automatically considered.
What’s New in 2025: Boosted Provincial and Territorial Top-Ups
For 2025, several provinces and territories have introduced enhancements to the standard federal GST/HST Credit. These top-ups are designed to reflect local cost-of-living differences, offering even more assistance where it’s needed most.
This means Canadians in eligible regions could receive significantly more than the federal amount alone.
Provinces Offering the Most Generous Boosts
Below is a breakdown of top-ups that could dramatically increase your quarterly benefit.
Newfoundland and Labrador
- Maximum Quarterly Benefit: $566.75
- Includes multiple components: Income Supplement, Seniors’ Benefit, and Disability Amount for those who qualify
- Designed to help residents cope with higher household costs in Atlantic Canada
Northwest Territories
- Quarterly Credit: Up to $502
- Provided via the Cost of Living Offset, which varies depending on your location within the territory
- Recognizes the unique financial burden of remote northern living
British Columbia
- Quarterly Benefit: Up to $252 for a family of four
- Delivered through the BC Climate Action Tax Credit
- Note: This is the final year for this program as B.C. transitions to a new rebate model in 2026
Saskatchewan
- Quarterly Credit: Up to $277.50 for a family of four
- Distributed via the Low-Income Tax Credit, a staple program in the Prairie provinces
Nova Scotia
- Quarterly Benefit: $93.75 (for a family of four)
- Funded through the Affordable Living Tax Credit, tailored to help with rising electricity and grocery costs
Prince Edward Island
- Quarterly Credit: $55 for families of two or more
- Comes from the PEI Sales Tax Credit, automatically assessed with your tax return
New Brunswick
- Quarterly Credit: Up to $200
- Provided via the province’s Harmonized Sales Tax Credit, which is income-tested
Yukon
- Quarterly Rebate: Up to $372 for rural households
- Through the Yukon Carbon Price Rebate, which acknowledges energy and transportation costs in remote regions
Nunavut
- Quarterly Credit: $100 for a family of four
- Funded through the Nunavut Carbon Credit to assist with heating and goods costs due to isolation
For the full list of benefit amounts and current rates by province, consult the CRA’s Benefits Lookup Tool.
Federal GST/HST Credit Amounts (2024-2025)
The basic federal GST/HST Credit for the benefit year running from July 2024 to June 2025 is calculated based on your 2023 tax return.
| Family Type | Annual GST/HST Credit |
|---|---|
| Single Individual | $519 |
| Married/Common-Law Couple | $680 |
| Each Dependent Child Under 19 | $179 |
Example Calculation:
For a married couple with two children:
- $680 (couple) + 2 x $179 (children) = $1,038/year
- That equals $259.50 per quarter, not including any provincial top-up
With a provincial enhancement like Newfoundland’s $566.75, the total quarterly payment could reach over $800, resulting in $3,200+ per year.
Canada Introduces $150/Month CPP Benefit for Part-Time Students – Check Your Eligibility
Canada Approves GST/HST Credit Boost Ensure You Receive the Credit
Filing Taxes Is Essential
The GST/HST Credit is not automatically given out to everyone. You must file your taxes every year—even if you earned little or no income. The CRA uses your tax return to determine your eligibility and payment amount.
Canada Approves GST/HST Credit BoostGuide:
- File your 2023 tax return before the April 30, 2024, deadline
- Ensure your personal information (marital status, address, dependent children) is up to date with the CRA
- Choose direct deposit for faster payments
- Mark your calendar: Next payment is due April 4, 2025
If you qualify, your payment will be sent directly to your bank account or by mail if you haven’t signed up for electronic deposit.
FAQs On Canada Approves GST/HST Credit Boost
1. Do I need to apply for this GST/HST credit boost?
No, you don’t have to apply. The CRA automatically determines your eligibility based on your tax return.
2. When will I start receiving the extra payments?
The enhanced payments begin in April 2025, based on your 2023 tax return filed in 2024.
3. What if I didn’t receive my GST/HST Credit last year?
Log into CRA My Account and verify your information. Check that your taxes were filed correctly and that you meet the income threshold.
4. Is the GST/HST Credit taxable income?
No. This is a tax-free benefit, meaning it won’t affect other government programs or your taxable income.
5. Can students, part-time workers, or newcomers get it?
Yes. As long as you’re 19 or older, a Canadian resident, and meet the income requirements, you’re eligible. Newcomers may need to submit Form RC151. Visit CRA’s Newcomer Page for full details.
