There is a lot of talk about a higher GST/HST credit in 2026. Many Canadians have heard that eligible individuals and families could see their total annual payments go up to $900. People are still worried about how much things cost, so any increase to a tax-free federal credit naturally gets a lot of attention, especially from low- and middle-income families.
The government hasn’t yet released final legislation that confirms the exact amounts for the 2026 benefit year. However, people expect an increase because of inflation indexing income thresholds, and past temporary top-ups. This article talks about how the GST/HST credit works, why a higher payment in 2026 is being talked about a lot, who might be able to get it, when payments would be made, and how much different households could realistically expect to get if the increase goes through.
What is the GST/HST Credit and Why Is It Important?
The Canada Revenue Agency gives out the GST/HST credit every three months as a tax-free payment to help cover the cost of the federal sales tax on goods and services that people use every day. It is made for people with low or moderate incomes, such as singles, seniors, families with kids, and people who are new to Canada.
You don’t have to apply separately for the GST/HST credit, which is different from most benefits. Based on the information in your annual income tax return, eligibility is automatically checked. Once approved, payments are either sent to your bank account or sent by cheque.
For a lot of families, this credit is a quiet but important way to pay for things like groceries, utilities, transportation, and household goods.
Why the GST/HST Credit Will Go Up in 2026
There are a number of reasons why people are talking about a higher GST/HST credit for 2026.
Indexing for inflation
The GST/HST credit goes up with inflation. Every year, the maximum payments and income limits are changed to keep up with changes in the cost of living. These increases add up over time when inflation stays high for several years.
The history of temporary top-ups
As part of efforts to make things more affordable, the federal government has added temporary improvements and one-time top-ups to the GST/HST credit in the last few years. People now expect that more increases may happen if costs keep going up.
Costs of Living Going Up
For many Canadians, the cost of housing, food, utilities, and transportation is still going up faster than wages. When talking about affordability, the GST/HST credit is often brought up as one of the quickest ways to provide targeted help.
A lot of people think that in 2026, some eligible households could get close to or reach $900 in total annual GST/HST credit payments because of these factors.
What the $900 Amount Really Means
It’s important to know that not everyone gets the same amount of $900.
The GST/HST credit is set up like this:
- A base amount for each person
- An extra amount for spouses or common-law partners
- Extra money for each child who qualifies
People usually mean the total amount of money that a household with dependents can get back in GST/HST credits each year, not just one payment.
For instance:
- A single person would get less than a family with kids.
- If maximum limits apply, a couple with two kids could pay up to or more than $900 a year.
The rules for who can get the GST/HST credit are likely to stay the same.
Age Limit
Before the month the payment is made, you must be at least 19 years old. If you are under 19, you may still be eligible if you are married or in a common-law relationship, or if you are a parent living with your child.
Living here
For tax purposes, you must live in Canada during the month before the payment month and at the beginning of the payment month.
Filing Taxes
To get GST/HST credit payments in the benefit year from July 2026 to June 2027, you have to file your 2025 income tax return. Filing is important even if you didn’t make any money.
Limits on income
Eligibility and payment amounts are determined by the adjusted net income of the family. Households with lower incomes get the most credit, and payments slowly go down as income goes up and eventually stop.
Who Is Most Likely to Get the Most Money
If the GST/HST credit does go up to around $900 in 2026, the households that are most likely to get amounts close to that level are:
- Couples with kids who don’t make much money
- Parents who are single and have one or more children
- Seniors who don’t have a lot of money to live on after they retire
- Families who depend on part-time or changing income
Single people who don’t have kids usually get a lower maximum amount, but they would still benefit from any increase that is indexed.
Dates when you can expect to get your GST/HST credit in 2026
The GST/HST credit is paid every three months, not every month. Payment dates are usually set well in advance and follow a set schedule.
If the payment date is on a weekend or holiday, the deposit is usually sent out the business day before.
When people say “payment is coming,” they usually mean one of these scheduled quarterly deposits instead of a one-time payment.
How Much Each Payment Might Be
If a family is eligible for a total annual GST/HST credit of about $900, the money would be split into four payments.
That would be about:
- About $225 every three months, depending on how many people live in the house and how much money they make.
Families that are eligible for the most money would get more, while families that are eligible for the least money would get less.
How to Get the GST/HST Credit
Most people who get the GST/HST credit get it directly deposited into the same bank account they use for tax refunds or other CRA benefits.
The CRA will send you a check in the mail if you don’t have direct deposit. This can make delivery take a few days or weeks longer, especially during busy times.
Updating your banking and mailing information helps make sure that payments get there on time.
How the Credit Works with Other Benefits
One good thing about the GST/HST credit is that it doesn’t lower any other federal or provincial benefits.
Getting the GST/HST credit does not change:
- Child Benefit in Canada
- Security for Old Age
- Guaranteed Income Supplement
- Income supports from the province
It is thought to be one of the best ways to help low-income families because it is tax-free and doesn’t need to be reported.
What You Should Do Right Now to Make Sure You Don’t Miss Out
You can still make sure you get everything you’re owed, even though the final amounts for 2026 haven’t been set yet.
Pay Your Taxes On Time
This is the most important thing you need to do. If you don’t file a tax return, you won’t get a GST/HST credit.
Make sure your CRA information is up to date.
Make sure your marital status, address, and direct deposit information are all up to date. Changes in your family’s situation can have a big impact on how much you have to pay.
Look over your Notice of Assessment
The amount of money on your Notice of Assessment is what the CRA uses to figure out how much you can get in benefits. Mistakes can cause people to pay less than they owe.
Why the GST/HST Credit is Still an Important Cost-of-Living Tool
The GST/HST credit is different from broad tax cuts or rebates because it is specific. It sends money to families that are feeling the effects of inflation the most, and they don’t have to fill out a separate application.
As affordability is still a problem in the US, changing this credit is one of the quickest ways for governments to respond. That’s why people still think that the payout will be higher in 2026.
