Yes, a new GST/HST credit payment was issued by the CRA on January 5, 2026, for the 2025–2026 benefit year. This payment is part of the regular quarterly schedule (Jan, Apr, Jul, Oct) designed to assist low- and modest-income families, with maximum annual amounts up to $533 for singles and higher for couples.
💰 NEW GST PAYMENT ALERT – JANUARY 5, 2026! The CRA is issuing the first GST/HST credit of 2026, with eligible Canadians receiving up to $533 annually—and a 2% increase coming in July 📈
For example, the information from your 2024 tax return determines the GST/HST credit amount you get for the payment period from July 2025 to June 2026. You could get up to: $533 if you are a single individual. $698 if you are married or have a common-law partner.
Along with the GST break, the government of Canada is also planning on offering cheques in the amount of $250 to qualifying middle-class families. In order to qualify for this, you have to have worked in 2023 and had an income below $150,000.
The GST/HST credit payment period begins in July and ends in June of the following year: January and April payments. Based on your adjusted family net income from your 2024 tax return. July and October payments.
The current GST rates in India are divided into the following slabs: 0% (exempt), 5%, 18%, and 40%. The 0% rate is for fresh, unbranded essentials, while the 5% and 18% rates cover the majority of goods and services. The new 40% rate applies to a few select luxury and demerit items.
GST Rate and Slab Changes in September 2025
GST rate cuts on 200 items happened from 22nd September 2025. 90% of items in the current 28% slab are moved to the 18% slab. Almost 99% of the items in the 12% slab are moved to the 5% slab.
Eligibility criteria
You are eligible for the GST/HST credit if you meet all of the following conditions: You are a resident of Canada for tax purposes during both periods: In the month before the CRA makes a payment. At the start of the month when a payment is made.
The $300 payment acts as a buffer to mitigate some of these cost pressures, especially for Canadians with fixed incomes or facing financial vulnerability. It complements other federal benefits designed for social and economic support, thereby providing a more comprehensive safety net.
When to expect your refund. You can claim a refund if your net tax (line 109 of your GST/HST return) is a negative amount. We normally issue refunds within 4 weeks of receiving your return.
In Canada, a $2,000 tax credit often refers to the Pension Income Amount (Line 31400) for seniors receiving eligible pension/annuity income, creating a $300 federal credit (15% of $2,000), or a provincial Training Tax Credit for Apprentices, like British Columbia's $2,000 for completing specific training levels, while other benefits like the GST/HST Credit or Disability Benefit offer amounts varying based on income and family situation, not a fixed $2,000 for everyone.
The CRA will make these payments on the 5th day of July and October 2025, and of January and April 2026.
You are eligible for a GST refund if you have paid excess tax, exported goods or services, made zero-rated supplies, claimed lower income than presumptive income, or have unutilised input tax credit.
You may qualify for the GST payment in 2026 if you meet the following criteria: You are a resident of Canada for tax purposes. You are 19 years or older, or under 19 with a spouse/common-law partner or a child. You have filed your income tax return.
According to the federal government, the maximum annual amount an individual may receive from July 2025 to June 2026 is $533, while a married or common-law couple could see up to $698 combined.
Groceries, gas, and rent are getting more expensive, and many Canadians are searching for relief. Good news is, Starting July 2025, the HST/GST credit has increase by 2.7%, helping low- and modest-income households stretch their budgets.
The widely discussed $533 amount represents the maximum annual GST/HST credit for eligible individuals, depending on family status and income. The January 2026 payment is part of this annual entitlement and may be issued as a quarterly portion rather than a single lump sum for everyone.
What are the new GST rate slabs for 2025 in India? The slabs under the 2025 Next-Gen GST Reforms are 0% (exemption), 5% and 18%. A new 40% GST slab has been introduced for luxury goods like premium cars and bikes, and sin goods like cigarettes and tobacco.
Tracking Refund Status
The $1,200 payment is a one-time direct deposit issued by the Canada Revenue Agency for seniors classified as low income based on their most recent tax return. The payment is not a loan, does not need to be repaid and does not replace existing monthly benefits.
Eligibility and details for the $250 rebate.
To qualify, individuals must meet criteria such as working in 2023, earning under $150,000, filing a tax return, and being a Canadian resident on March 31, 2025. Payments will be issued automatically via direct deposit or cheque by the CRA.
The $1,000 "Welcome to Canada Bonus" is a General Motors (GM) program for new Permanent Residents or Temporary Workers, requiring a valid PR card (arrival date generally 2022 or later) or a valid work permit, plus a Canadian driver's license, for the purchase or lease of a new eligible Chevy, Buick, GMC, or Cadillac vehicle. Eligibility hinges on your status at the time of purchase, with specific arrival year requirements for Permanent Residents.