The Credit Payment $179 GST/HST is a federal benefit provided by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to help low and moderate-income households reduce the impact of Goods and Services Tax (GST) or Harmonized Sales Tax (HST). In 2025, this financial support remains an important relief measure, especially for families with children. Eligible families receive $179 per child every three months, easing the burden of indirect taxes.
Running from July 2024 through June 2025, the credit is a tax-free benefit, distributed quarterly to qualifying Canadians. While adults are primary claimants, the most notable aspect of this benefit in 2025 is its per-child payment component, which can significantly boost household income throughout the year.
Quick Overview of the 2025 GST/HST Credit Program
| Key Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Program Name | $179 GST/HST Credit Payment 2025 |
| Administered By | Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) |
| Country | Canada |
| Eligible Individuals | Low-to-moderate income families and children |
| Quarterly Payment Per Child | $179 |
| Annual Period Covered | July 2024 – June 2025 |
| Payment Type | Tax-Free Benefit |
| Payment Frequency | Every three months |
| Official Website | canada.ca |
What Is the $179 GST/HST Credit in 2025?
The GST/HST Credit is a financial aid initiative aimed at reducing the tax load for individuals and families with modest incomes. The 2025 structure offers $179 quarterly for each eligible child, providing dependable support every three months. This helps households better manage day-to-day expenses that include tax-related costs on goods and services.
It’s worth noting that this benefit is indexed, and the amounts may adjust slightly starting in July 2025 to reflect changes in the cost of living or inflation.
Who Is Eligible for the GST/HST Credit in 2025?
To receive this benefit in 2025, applicants must satisfy specific criteria laid out by the CRA:
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Residency: Must be a Canadian resident for tax purposes.
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Age Requirement: Must be at least 19 years old.
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Special Cases (Under 19): Those under 19 may still qualify if:
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They have a spouse or common-law partner.
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They are a parent and live with their child.
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Parental Eligibility: Parents meeting the general criteria will automatically qualify to receive the child-specific payments.
Additionally, eligibility is determined based on the previous year’s income, meaning your 2023 tax return plays a critical role in accessing 2025 credits.
Payment Breakdown by Family Type
Here’s a snapshot of the maximum GST/HST Credit amounts based on family composition:
| Claimant Category | Maximum Annual Amount |
|---|---|
| Single Individual | $519 |
| Married/Common-Law Couple | $680 |
| Each Eligible Child (Quarterly) | $179 per child per quarter |
For example, a couple with two children could receive a total of $680 (base) + $1,432 (2 children × $179 × 4) = $2,112 annually.
GST/HST Credit Payment Schedule 2025
Payments are issued by the CRA on a quarterly basis, typically on or around the 5th day of the designated month. Below is the current schedule for the 2025 calendar year:
| Quarter | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| January – March 2025 | January 3, 2025 |
| April – June 2025 | April 4, 2025 |
| July – September 2025 | July 4, 2025 |
| October – December 2025 | October 3, 2025 |
Keep in mind that payments may be delayed slightly for those receiving paper cheques instead of direct deposits.
Is the $179 GST/HST Credit a Reliable Benefit?
Absolutely. The GST/HST Credit is a stable and trusted government initiative. Payments are handled directly by the CRA, and the process is largely automatic. This means that once you’re eligible, there’s little you need to do beyond keeping your information up to date. That said, the $179 per child rate is subject to revision beginning July 2025, depending on inflationary changes.
How to Receive the GST/HST Credit in 2025
While the process is mostly automated, there are a few steps to ensure smooth enrollment:
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File Your Taxes Promptly: Filing your 2023 income tax return is essential. Even if you had no income, filing enables the CRA to assess your eligibility.
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Keep Personal Information Updated: Make sure your marital status, number of children, and address are current with the CRA.
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Automatic Enrollment: If eligible, the CRA will automatically issue payments—no separate application is needed unless there’s a change in your status.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Do I need to apply separately for each child?
No. Once you qualify, the CRA will assess and include eligible children based on your tax return and family information.
Q2: What happens if my income changes mid-year?
GST/HST Credit eligibility is based on your previous year’s income. Changes in 2025 won’t affect payments until the next cycle (starting July 2025).
Q3: Will I still receive payments if I don’t file taxes?
No. Filing taxes is mandatory to receive GST/HST Credit—even if you have no income to report.
Q4: Can permanent residents or newcomers qualify?
Yes, as long as you’re a resident of Canada for tax purposes and meet the age or parental requirements.
Q5: Is the GST/HST Credit taxable?
No, this is a tax-free benefit and does not need to be reported as income.
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