The Government of Canada offers tax relief to eligible citizens through the GST/HST refund program. This refund is designed to assist lower-income families based on their annual family income, including the number of dependents such as children and legal partners. Administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), the GST/HST refund is paid quarterly, helping ease the financial burden on qualifying Canadians.
If you’re looking for information about the upcoming GST/HST refunds in 2025, this guide will outline the new payment dates, eligibility criteria, the amounts you may qualify for, and the process for claiming your refund.
New GST/HST Refund Payment Dates in 2025
The Government of Canada will continue to provide GST/HST refunds to eligible recipients four times per year. These payments will be made on the following dates in 2025:
- January 5, 2025
- April 5, 2025
- July 5, 2025
- October 5, 2025
These quarterly payments aim to help eligible citizens offset the cost of living by providing tax relief directly into their bank accounts.
GST/HST Refund 2025: How Much Will You Receive?
The amount you receive from the GST/HST refund will depend on your family’s financial situation and the number of dependents you have. The Canada Revenue Agency calculates the refund based on the most recent tax return and family details.
Refund Amounts for 2025:
- Single individuals: Up to $496 annually
- Married couples: Up to $650 annually
- For each child: An additional $171 per child
If your family income is below the annual cap of $65,000 CAD, you are eligible for these refunds, with the exact amount based on your tax return and the family structure you report to CRA.
Who Is Eligible for the GST/HST Refund in 2025?
To qualify for the GST/HST refund in 2025, you must meet the following criteria:
- Residency: You must be a permanent resident of Canada at the beginning of the fiscal year.
- Age: You must be 19 years or older by the date of the first refund (January 5, 2025).
- Income: Your annual family income should be less than $65,000 CAD.
- Tax Filing: You must have filed a tax return for the most recent tax year (2024) with the CRA.
Exceptions:
- If you are under 19, you must meet one of the following conditions to be eligible:
- Be married or living with a common-law partner
- Be a parent living with a child
Non-Eligibility:
You will not qualify for the GST/HST refund if:
- You are not a permanent resident of Canada.
- You are a family member or employee of a foreign government official.
- You have been incarcerated for 90 days or more.
- You have passed away.
How the CRA Calculates Your GST/HST Refund
The CRA calculates your refund based on the information provided in your most recent tax return. This includes your total income, family size, and the number of eligible children you are supporting.
The refund is distributed over four quarterly payments throughout the year. The first payment will be made in January 2025, followed by payments in April, July, and October.
If you qualify for the GST/HST refund, the CRA will send you an official notice detailing the amount you will receive, based on your reported family structure and income.
How to Claim Your GST/HST Refund for 2025
To claim your GST/HST refund in 2025, follow these simple steps:
- Visit the Canada Revenue Agency website: Go to https://www.canada.ca/.
- Sign in to your CRA account: Use your CRA login credentials to access your account.
- Apply for the GST/HST Credit: Select the option to apply for the GST/HST Credit 2025.
- Confirm your information: Ensure your contact details, marital status, and nationality are up to date.
- Enter your children’s details: Provide the names, genders, and other necessary information for any dependent children.
- Check your application status: After submission, you can track the status of your application through your CRA account.
Important GST/HST Refund Dates for 2025
The quarterly payment schedule for the GST/HST refund in 2025 is as follows:
| Quarter | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| 1st Quarter | January 5, 2025 |
| 2nd Quarter | April 5, 2025 |
| 3rd Quarter | July 5, 2025 |
| 4th Quarter | October 5, 2025 |
Ensure that you file your taxes on time and keep your contact information updated with the CRA to avoid any delays in receiving your payments.
Conclusion
The GST/HST refund program in Canada provides essential financial support to low-income families, and the 2025 payment dates are set to continue on a quarterly basis. If you’re eligible, the process is straightforward, and you can expect payments throughout the year. Be sure to file your taxes on time and stay updated with CRA communications to ensure you receive the full benefits available to you. For more detailed information, visit the official Canada Revenue Agency website at canada.ca.