Nobody enjoys paying taxes. That said, the Government of Canada does offer different tax benefits, such as credits and deductions to help offset the amount of taxes that many of us have to pay throughout the year. One of the most common benefits among taxpayers is the GST/HST tax credit, which involves a series of installments.
Want to know what the GST/HST tax credit is and when you will receive your payments once you’ve qualified for it?
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 for 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.
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:
For the tax year 2020, the maximum GST/HST tax credit amount you’ll receive is the following amounts during the period of July 2021 to June 2022:
| $456 | For eligible adults over the age of 19 |
| $157 | For each child you have that’s under the age of 19 |
| $598 | For those who are married or are in a common-law relationship |
Find out how to file your taxes as a couple.
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 of a weekend or statutory holiday.
GST payment dates are as follows:
| GST Payment Dates 2022 |
| January 5, 2022 |
| April 5, 2022 |
| July 5, 2022 |
| October 5, 2022 |
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.
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:
On the other hand, you may not be eligible for the GST/HST tax credit if you are:
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.
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:
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):
| Provincial GST/HST Credits | Annual Maximum Amount |
| B.C. Climate Action Tax Credit | – Individuals, spouse or common-law partner: $174 – Per child: $51 |
| Ontario Sales Tax Credit | – Per adult and child in a family: $313 |
| Nova Scotia Affordable Living Tax Credit | – Individuals and couple: $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 | – Individuals: $450 – Married or common-law couple: $510 – Per child: $200 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador Seniors Benefit | Single seniors, married or common-law couples: $1,313 |
| Saskatchewan Low-Income Tax Credit | – Individuals, spouse, common-law partner: $346 – Per child: $136 – Per family: $946 |
| Prince Edward Island Sales Tax Credit | – Individual: $110 – Spouse, common-law partner or qualified dependent: $55 |
Quarterly payment to offset carbon taxes for British Columbia residents. Individuals, spouses and common-law partners can receive up to $174, along with $51 per child annually. Taxpayers can also collect the credit in a one-time “enhanced” payment of $218, plus $61 per child.
Check out the minimum wage rate in BC.
Provides a $313 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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
For any low-income individuals, families and people with disabilities who have been affected by the province’s tax measures. Single adults can collect up to $450 or $510 (yearly) if they have a spouse or common-law partner, along with $100 for each child.
Consulting the Canada Revenue Agency is the best way to determine if you qualify for the 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. Tax season is just around the corner, so don’t hesitate to check out the GST/HST tax credit.
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Bryan is a graduate of Dawson College and Concordia University. He has been writing for Loans Canada for five years, covering all things related to personal finance, and aims to pursue the craft of professional writing for many years to come. In his spare time, he maintains a passion for editing, writing screenplays, staying fit, and travelling the world in search of the coolest sights our planet has to offer.
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