Canadians who depend on the GST/HST credit will have a big year ahead. The federal government is going ahead with the 2026 GST/HST credit payments even though living costs are still high and inflation is still affecting everyday expenses. These payments are meant to help people and families with low or moderate incomes. The new amounts for the benefit year 2025–2026 will stay the same until early 2026.
This article tells you everything you need to know about the new GST/HST payment dates in 2026, the new credit amounts, who can get them, and what you should do right now to make sure you get your payment on time.
What is the GST/HST credit and why is it important in 2026?
The Canada Revenue Agency sends out the GST/HST credit every three months. It’s a tax-free payment that helps cover the cost of the federal goods and services tax and the harmonised sales tax. You don’t have to apply separately for this benefit like you do for many others. When you file your income tax return, your eligibility is automatically checked.
The GST/HST credit is still very important in 2026 because food, rent, utilities, and transport costs are still putting a strain on household budgets. For a lot of Canadians, these payments every three months are a reliable way to get some financial help all year long.
New Dates for GST/HST Payments in 2026
Four times a year, people get GST/HST credit payments. According to the CRA’s normal payment schedule, the following are the expected payment dates for the year 2026:
- March 5, 2026
- April 3, 2026
- July 3, 2026, and October 2, 2026
If you have direct deposit, the payment will usually show up in your bank account on these dates. If you get paid by check, it may take a few more business days for the mail to process before you get it.
These payments are for the benefit year 2025–2026, which is based on your 2024 tax return.
New GST/HST Credit Amounts for 2026
The amounts of the GST/HST credit are adjusted for inflation and checked every year. For the benefit year 2025–2026, which includes payments made in 2026, the amounts have gone up to account for higher living costs.
The new maximum annual GST/HST credit amounts should be around:
- For one person, up to $533
- For a married or common-law couple, up to $703
- Up to $185 for each child under 19 years old
These amounts are split into four equal payments that are made every three months. How much you get depends on how much money your family makes, whether you are married, and how many children you have who qualify.
If you make less than the threshold, you might get the most money. The payment slowly goes away as income goes up.
How to Figure Out the GST/HST Credit
The CRA figures out your GST/HST credit based on a number of things:
- Your 2024 tax return showed your net family income.
- Your marital or common-law status
- The number of kids under 19 that you are responsible for
- If you lived in Canada for tax reasons
Changes in any of these factors can change how much you have to pay in 2026.
Requirements to Get GST/HST Payments in 2026
To get GST/HST credit payments in 2026, you must meet these requirements:
Age Requirement
Before the month that the CRA sends you the money, you must be at least 19 years old. If you are under 19, you may still be eligible if you have a spouse, common-law partner, or child.
Status of Residence
For tax purposes, you must live in Canada for the month before and the month of the payment.
Need to File Taxes
Even if you didn’t make much money in 2024, you still had to file your income tax return. Filing is required because the CRA needs this information to determine eligibility and figure out payments.
Income Limits
The GST/HST credit is meant for families with low or modest incomes. People who make more money will get less or may not qualify at all.
Single people will get a GST/HST credit in 2026.
The GST/HST credit will still help low-income single Canadians a lot in 2026. People who make less than the phase-out threshold may get close to the maximum amount each year.
For single people, the credit can be very helpful for paying for basic needs like groceries, utilities, and transportation. Many Canadians depend on the predictable boost that comes with each quarterly payment to help them budget.
Couples and families can get a GST/HST credit
Married and common-law couples get more money than single people do. Families with kids under 19 get extra credits for each eligible child, which makes the total annual payment much higher.
The credit goes to one spouse or partner, usually the one who applied first or the one who gets other CRA benefits. The amount is based on the family’s total income, not each person’s income.
GST/HST Credit for Kids Under 19
For each child under 19, parents and guardians can get extra GST/HST credit. To get these payments:
- The CRA needs to know about the child.
- You need to keep your Canada Child Benefit application up to date.
- You must be the child’s guardian and live with them.
The CRA might not include a child in the GST/HST calculation if they aren’t properly registered.
What Happens If Your Family or Income Situation Changes
Changes in your life can change your GST/HST credit in 2026. These are:
- Getting married or breaking up
- Giving birth to or adopting a child
- A big rise or fall in income
- Changing your residency status or moving to a new province
Updating the CRA as soon as possible is important to avoid overpayments, underpayments, or delays.
Payments by Check or Direct Deposit in 2026
Direct deposit is still the quickest and safest way to get GST/HST payments. Canadians who use direct deposit usually get their money on the day it is due.
People who get checks may have to wait longer than usual because of how long it takes for the mail to get there. The CRA strongly suggests that you use direct deposit to make sure your payments are on time.
Why Some Canadians Get Less or No Money
If you meet any of the following conditions, you may get a smaller GST/HST credit or no payment at all:
- Your income is above the limit for eligibility.
- You didn’t send in your tax return for 2024.
- Your family or marriage information is out of date.
- The CRA needs more proof.
Checking your CRA account often can help you avoid problems.
Other government benefits and the GST/HST credit
The GST/HST credit doesn’t lower other federal benefits like:
Canada Child Benefit, Old Age Security, Guaranteed Income Supplement, and Canada Pension Plan are all examples of this.
It is also not taxable, so you don’t have to include it as income on your tax return.
What Canadians Should Do Now to Get Ready for Payments in 2026
To make sure you get your GST/HST payments in 2026 without any problems:
- Pay your taxes on time for 2024
- Check your direct deposit details
- Change your marital status and dependents.
- Keep an eye on your CRA account for changes or notices.
These steps can mean the difference between getting your payment on time and having to wait.
For millions of Canadians, the GST/HST credit is still one of the most important forms of financial help. Eligible people and families can expect real help as living costs stay high, with updated amounts and confirmed quarterly payments continuing through 2026.
The amount will depend on your income and family size, but the message is clear: the GST/HST payment is coming in 2026, and the best way to make sure you get every dollar you are owed is to stay informed and ready.
