April 2025 GST/HST Payment Alert: Every April, millions of Canadians eagerly anticipate their quarterly GST/HST credit payments from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). If you’re wondering about the April 2025 GST/HST Payment and whether you’re eligible for amounts like $519, $680, or $179, you’re in the right place. This article breaks down everything you need to know, from eligibility requirements to how much you can expect to receive and how to ensure you never miss a payment.

These tax-free payments help individuals and families with modest incomes offset the goods and services tax (GST) or harmonized sales tax (HST) they pay. Understanding your eligibility and how these payments are calculated can make a big difference in your annual budget—especially as everyday living expenses like groceries, gas, and rent continue to rise.
April 2025 GST/HST Payment Alert
Topic | Details |
---|---|
Payment Date | April 4, 2025 |
Single Individual Max Credit | $519/year |
Married/Common-law Couple Max Credit | $680/year |
Per Child Under 19 | $179/year per child |
Eligibility | Canadian residents 19+, low/modest income, tax return filed |
Application Needed? | No, if tax return filed (special forms for newcomers) |
CRA Official Resource | Canada.ca – GST/HST Credit |
The April 2025 GST/HST credit is more than just a quarterly payment—it’s a vital support system for Canadians managing living expenses in a tough economy. Whether you’re a student, parent, newcomer, or retiree, understanding your eligibility and ensuring your tax filings are up to date will help you take full advantage of this government benefit.
It only takes a few steps to get started: file your taxes, keep your information current, and track your payments using CRA tools. With this guide, you’re now empowered to make informed decisions about your finances.
Don’t miss out on the money you’re entitled to. File your taxes, stay informed, and make the most of every dollar. For full details, visit the CRA’s official GST/HST credit page.
What Is the GST/HST Credit?
The GST/HST credit is a tax-free quarterly payment designed to help Canadians with low and modest incomes manage the sales taxes they pay throughout the year. It’s automatically calculated and issued by the CRA based on your income tax return.
In simple terms: If you’re a Canadian resident who earns under a certain amount, you may get money back every three months to help cover your everyday costs.
It’s part of the Canadian government’s effort to make life more affordable for citizens, especially in light of inflation and fluctuating costs of living. Unlike tax refunds, you don’t need to wait until tax season to benefit—this money arrives every quarter, helping people plan and manage their budgets more effectively.
How Much Will You Get in April 2025?
For the 2024–2025 payment period, the maximum annual credit amounts are:
- Single individual: Up to $519
- Married or common-law couple: Up to $680
- Each child under 19: Additional $179 per child
These payments are split into four equal installments, issued in:
- July 5, 2024
- October 4, 2024
- January 3, 2025
- April 4, 2025
So for example, if you’re a single parent with two kids, you could receive:
$519 (single) + $179 x 2 = $877/year, or about $219.25 per quarter.
These payments are typically deposited directly into your bank account, making them accessible and convenient. You can use these funds for groceries, utilities, school supplies, or to cover unexpected bills—whatever suits your needs.
Who Is Eligible for the GST/HST Payment?
To qualify, you must:
- Be a Canadian resident for tax purposes
- Be at least 19 years old, or
- Have (or had) a spouse or common-law partner, or
- Be (or have been) a parent who lives/lived with your child
- File an income tax return every year
Even if you have no income, you still need to file a return to receive the credit. That’s a common mistake people make—don’t skip your taxes!
Eligibility also depends on your adjusted family net income (AFNI). This is your net income plus the net income of your spouse or common-law partner, if applicable. The lower this combined amount, the more likely you are to receive the full GST/HST credit.
Tip: Update your marital status and number of dependents with the CRA as soon as your circumstances change. Failing to update your information may result in incorrect payments or delays.
How the CRA Calculates Your GST/HST Payment
The CRA uses your adjusted family net income from the previous tax year to calculate your credit. For the April 2025 payment, they’ll use your 2023 tax return.
Generally, the lower your income and the more children you have, the more you’ll receive. The credit gradually reduces as income increases, eventually phasing out completely for high-income individuals or families.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- AFNI under approx. $39,826: Full credit
- AFNI between $39,826 and $52,000+: Partial credit, depending on number of children
- AFNI above $52,000: Credit may not be issued
You can use the CRA’s Child and Family Benefits Calculator to estimate your benefit amount with just a few clicks. It’s user-friendly and highly accurate.
How to Receive the GST/HST Payment
Step 1: File Your Taxes
You must file your tax return, even with zero income. This step is non-negotiable, as the CRA bases your eligibility on this data.
If you’re a newcomer or returning resident, submit:
- RC66 Form (if you have children)
- RC151 Form (if you don’t have children)
Step 2: Sign Up for Direct Deposit
Avoid delays by registering for CRA direct deposit. You can sign up through:
- Online banking
- CRA My Account
- Paper form (TLDD) through your bank or financial institution
Step 3: Keep Info Up to Date
Update your:
- Marital status
- Number of children
- Address and banking info
Failing to do so could mean underpayments or overpayments, which the CRA may later recover.
Helpful Resource: For help managing your account, visit CRA My Account.
Real-Life Examples
Example 1: Olivia (Single, No Kids)
- Income: $22,000
- Receives: Full $519 credit = $129.75 every quarter
- Olivia uses her credit to cover her bus pass and groceries
Example 2: Alex and Sam (Couple, 2 Kids)
- Combined Income: $38,000
- Receives: $680 (couple) + $358 (2 kids) = $1,038/year = $259.50/quarter
- Their credit offsets back-to-school costs, including backpacks and supplies
Example 3: Priya (Newcomer, One Child)
- New to Canada, files RC66 form
- Income: $25,000
- Receives: Up to $519 + $179 = $698/year
- Priya puts the money toward daycare and household essentials
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FAQs: GST/HST Payment April 2025
Q1: Do I need to apply for the GST/HST credit every year?
A: No. As long as you file your tax return annually, you’re automatically considered for the credit.
Q2: What if I don’t receive my payment on April 4, 2025?
A: Wait 10 business days, then contact the CRA. You can also check the status in your CRA My Account.
Q3: Can I get the credit if I’m a student with low income?
A: Absolutely. Students 19 and older often qualify, especially if they earn less than $30,000/year.
Q4: What happens if my income goes up or down mid-year?
A: The CRA uses your previous year’s income, but you should still report significant life changes (like marriage, childbirth, or divorce) to ensure accurate payments.
Q5: How do I know how much I’ll get?
A: Use the CRA Benefits Calculator. It gives a tailored estimate based on your inputs.
Q6: Do newcomers to Canada automatically receive the credit?
A: Not automatically. Newcomers need to fill out RC66 or RC151, depending on their family situation.