Don’t get scared by GST/HST payment dates. You’re not the one paying. You’re getting paid.
Nobody enjoys paying GST/HST on nearly every single purchase you make. You look at it like a debt or a never-ending loan payment you never asked for.
However, the Canadian government gives money back through GST/HST tax credits to people and families who don’t earn a lot. Getting the GST/HST tax credit is a benefit and it doesn’t hurt your credit score or prevent you from getting financing.
These tax credits and deductions help offset the amount we pay in taxes throughout the year. The GST/HST tax credit involves a series of installments. Just like every other credit or deduction, you need to ask for it when filing your taxes.
Want to know what the GST/HST tax credit is and when the GST payment dates are? Keep reading.
What Is The GST/HST Tax Credit?
The GST/HST tax credit aims to help lower-income households. When you purchase various goods and services in Canada, chances are you’ll have to pay Goods and Sales Tax (GST) and/or Harmonized Sales Tax (HST). As mentioned, the GST/HST tax credit is a financial benefit provided by the federal government, which helps offset the amount of GST and HST that consumers get charged during a tax year.
The credit involves 4 annual (quarterly) non-taxable payments and is meant for families, spouses, common-law partners, and individuals who have low to moderate net incomes.
Do you have children? Check out these tax benefits for parents.
How Much Can You Receive With The GST/HST Tax Credit?
The GST/HST tax credit is calculated by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). If you qualify, the overall amount you can receive, as well as the size of your quarterly payments can vary based on the following personal and financial elements:
- How many children you have living at home
- How old your children are (they must be under 19 years of age)
- Your individual or household income during the previous tax year-end
- Your current marital status (single, married or common-law partnership)
Max Annual GST/HST Tax Credit Amounts
The maximum GST/HST tax credit amount you’ll receive is the following amounts during the period of July 2022 to June 2023:
| $456 | For single eligible adults over the age of 19 |
| $161 | For each child you have that’s under the age of 19 |
| $612 | For those who are married or are in a common-law relationship |
Find out how to file your taxes as a couple.
GST/HST Payment Dates 2023
Remember, the CRA generally pays out the GST/HST tax credit on a quarterly basis. Those payments are drawn out over a 12-month period that spans from July 1st of the subsequent year (following the base year) to June 30th of the next year. GST payments are generally paid out on the 5th day of January, April, July, and October. This may vary slightly if the 5th falls on a weekend or statutory holiday.
GST payment dates are as follows:
| GST Payment Dates 2023 |
| January 5, 2023 |
| April 5, 2023 |
| July 5, 2023 |
| October 5, 2023 |
Keep in mind that there are times when your quarterly GST/HST tax credit payment could arrive a little bit late. If you don’t receive your payment after about 10 business days, be sure to contact the Canada Revenue Agency and get the situation resolved.
Find out if you have any uncashed cheques with the CRA.
Who Is Eligible For The GST/HST Tax Credit?
Unfortunately, some taxpayers don’t qualify for the GST/HST tax credit. Here are the types of Canadians that are eligible for this CRA benefit:
- Permanent residents who are at least 19 years of age
- Residents who have or have had a common-law partner or spouse
- Parents who live or have lived with a child under the age of 19
On the other hand, you may not be eligible for the GST/HST tax credit if you are:
- A servant or officer (diplomat, etc.) of a foreign country and you aren’t required to pay taxes in Canada
- An employee or family member of a foreign servant or officer
- Incarcerated (in prison or a similar facility) for 90 or more consecutive days
- Not a Canadian resident (for tax purposes)
Maximum Income Threshold For The GST/HST Tax Credit
Before you apply for any type of federal, provincial or territorial tax benefit, don’t forget to visit the Government of Canada website to make sure that you, your children and/or your spouse/common-law partner meet all the requirements. Here are the current individual and household net income limits to become eligible for the GST/HST tax credit:
| Family Structure | Net Income Limit |
| Single Canadian residents over the age of 19 | $48,012 |
| Single parents with 1 child | $53,992 |
| Single parents with 2 children | $57,132 |
| Single parents with 3 children | $60,272 |
| Single parents with 4 children | $63,412 |
| Married or common-law couples with no children | $50,852 |
| Married or common-law couples with 1 child | $53,992 |
| Married or common-law couples with 2 children | $57,132 |
| Married or common-law couples with 3 children | $60,272 |
| Married or common-law couples with 4 children | $63,412 |
Find out if you qualify for the Canada Worker’s Benefit.
How Do I Apply For The GST/HST Tax Credit?
As of 2014, the Canada Revenue Agency is responsible for examining your financial profile and confirming whether or not you are actually eligible for the GST/HST tax credit. Here are a few other things that you may need to do in order to apply:
- File your 2019 income tax return, even if you didn’t earn an income that year (this is necessary to qualify for any provincial or territorial tax credits)
- Register for a Social Insurance Number (both you and your spouse or common-law partner must have a valid SIN to be eligible)
- If necessary, fill out the “Information About Your Spouse or Common-Law Partner” section on page 1 of your 2019 tax return (SIN, income, etc.)
- If you are a new resident of Canada and you have children, fill out Form RC66. If you are a new resident without children, complete Form RC151.
- Apply online by creating a CRA My Account or mail the right documents to your nearest provincial/territorial Canada Revenue Agency office.
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READ ARTICLEProvincial GST/HST Credits
If you are a qualified taxpayer with a low to moderate income, the GST/HST tax credit can definitely be a good thing to have on your side. Not to mention, you may be able to access these other tax-free CRA credits (in addition to your GST/HST payments):
- B.C. Climate Action Tax Credit
- Ontario Sales Tax Credit
- Nova Scotia Affordable Living Tax Credit
- New Brunswick Harmonized Sales Tax Credit
- Newfoundland and Labrador Income Supplement
- Newfoundland and Labrador Seniors Benefit
- Saskatchewan Low-Income Tax Credit
- Prince Edward Island Sales Tax Credit
Are You Eligible For Any Of These Provincial Tax Credits?
| Provincial GST/HST Credits | Annual Maximum Amount: Single, Married or Common Law Partner |
| B.C. Climate Action Tax Credit | – Individuals, spouse, common-law partner: up to $193.50 – $56.50 per child under 19 years of age – $193.50 for the first child in a single parent family. |
| Ontario Sales Tax Credit | – $324 for each adult and each child under 19 years of age – Credit will be reduced by 4% of your adjusted net income over $24,916 |
| Nova Scotia Affordable Living Tax Credit | – Individuals, spouse, common-law partner: $255 – Per child: $60 |
| New Brunswick Harmonized Sales Tax Credit | – Individuals, spouse or common-law partner: $300 – Per child: $100 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador Income Supplement | – Max annual payment of $495 for single individuals – $561 for spouses or common law partner – $220 per child under 19 years of age. |
| Newfoundland and Labrador Seniors Benefit | – Married or common-law couples: $1,313 – $1,444 for a single senior |
| Saskatchewan Low-Income Tax Credit | – Individuals, spouse, common-law partner: $358 – Per child: $141 – Per family: $998 |
| Yukon government carbon price rebate | – Annual credit of $320 for an individual – $320 for a spouse or common-law partner – $320 per child under 19 years of age. *Individuals living outside of Whitehorse will also receive supplement of: – Individuals, spouse, common-law partner: $32 – $32 for each eligible child under 19. |
| Prince Edward Island Sales Tax Credit | – Individual: $110 – Spouse, common-law partner or qualified dependent: $55 |
| Northwest Territories High Cost of Living Offset | – Annual credit of $260 for an individual – $260 for a spouse or common-law partner – $300 per child under 18 years of age |
B.C. Climate Action Tax Credit
Quarterly payment to offset carbon taxes for British Columbia residents. Individuals, spouses and common-law partners can receive up to $193.50, along with $56.50 per child annually. Taxpayers can also collect the credit in a one-time “enhanced” payment of $218, plus $61 per child. In addition, individuals can collect $193.50 for the first child in a single-parent family household.
Check out the minimum wage rate in BC.
Ontario Sales Tax Credit
Provides a $324 yearly credit per adult and child in a family (the amount may also decrease according to your income). If applicable, your OSTC can be combined with the Ontario Energy and Property tax credit and/or Northern Ontario Energy Credit to form the Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB).
Nova Scotia Affordable Living Tax Credit
Helps offset any increases in HST and provides extra money for low-income taxpayers. Currently, the maximum annual payment amount is $255 for individuals and couples, plus $60 per child. The amount reduces by 5% for adjusted family net incomes over $30,000.
New Brunswick Harmonized Sales Tax Credit
Individuals, spouses, and common-law partners can receive a yearly credit of up to $300, with an additional $100 per child over the age of 19 (who’s still living at home). The full credit amount decreases by 2% if the taxpayer has a net income over $35,000.
Has your employer gone bankrupt? You may qualify for the Wage Earner Protection Program.
Newfoundland and Labrador Income Supplement
The Newfoundland and Labrador income supplement (NLIS) is a non-taxable amount provided for low-income families and individuals, including senior citizens and persons with disabilities. The amount given is based on the adjusted family net-income and personal situation. The maximum payment amount given is $495 for singles, and $561 for married or common-law partners. With the addition of $220 per child under the age of 19.
To receive the NLIS you must also be eligible for the federal GST/HST credit, the NLIS and the DTC (Disability Tax Credit).
Newfoundland and Labrador Seniors Benefit
A yearly payment of $1,313 for single seniors (65 or older) and spousal/common-law couples where at least one person is a senior with an adjusted family net income of $29,402 or less. Eligible taxpayers with incomes of $29,402 – $40,663 will receive a partial payment.
Saskatchewan Low-Income Tax Credit
Provides up to $346 annually for individuals, spouses/common-law partners and other eligible dependents. Additionally, earn up to $136 per child (2 children maximum) or a yearly credit of $946 per family. Reductions start when your net income surpasses $32,643.
Prince Edward Island Sales Tax Credit
A yearly credit of $110 per individual and $55 per common-law partner, spouse or another qualified dependent. If your adjusted family net income is over $30,000, you can receive an extra 0.5% supplement (up to $55). The amount decreases by 2% for incomes over $50,000.
Additional Reading
Wondering if You Qualify For Canada’s GST/HST Tax Credit?
Don’t miss out on extra funds that could otherwise be used to cover your expenses when your own income won’t suffice. As such, consulting the Canada Revenue Agency is the best way to determine if you qualify for the GST/HST tax credit. Tax season is just around the corner, so don’t hesitate to check out the GST/HST tax credit.
