Benefits Guide
GST/HST Credit Payment Dates 2026 (and How to Avoid Missing Them)
Quick answer: The GST/HST credit is paid four times per year . The 2026 payment dates are January 5, 2026 , April 2, 2026 , July 3, 2026 , and October 5, 2026 .
GST/HST Credit Payment Dates 2026 (and How to Avoid Missing Them)
Every three months, millions of Canadians receive a tax-free deposit from the CRA that helps offset the cost of the GST and HST they pay on everyday purchases. It is called the GST/HST credit, and if you have a low or modest income, there is a good chance you qualify even if you have never filled out a separate application.
If you are looking for the GST/HST credit payment dates for 2026, this guide gives you every date in one place. It also explains who qualifies, how the July benefit-year reset works, and what to do if a payment is missing.
The goal is simple: make sure you understand the schedule and do not leave money on the table.
| Payment Date | Based on Tax Year |
|---|---|
| January 5, 2026 | 2024 |
| April 2, 2026 | 2024 |
| July 3, 2026 | 2025 |
| October 5, 2026 | 2025 |
Check your GST/HST credit amount
See how much GST/HST credit you could receive based on your income.
Calculate My Benefits2026 GST/HST Credit Payment Dates at a Glance
| Payment Date | Day of Week | Based on Tax Year | Benefit Year Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 5, 2026 | Monday | 2024 | Jul 2025 - Jun 2026 |
| April 2, 2026 | Thursday | 2024 | Jul 2025 - Jun 2026 |
| July 3, 2026 | Friday | 2025 | Jul 2026 - Jun 2027 |
| October 5, 2026 | Monday | 2025 | Jul 2026 - Jun 2027 |
January and April 2026 payments are still part of the 2025-2026 benefit year and are based on your 2024 return. July and October 2026 payments start the 2026-2027 benefit year and are based on your 2025 return.
The July switchover is where your amount can move up or down depending on what your 2025 tax return shows.
Lump-sum rule
If your quarterly GST/HST credit amount works out to less than $50, the CRA sends your full annual amount as a single lump-sum payment in July instead of quarterly deposits.
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Who Qualifies for the GST/HST Credit?
Basic Eligibility
- You are a resident of Canada for income tax purposes at the beginning of the month in which the CRA makes a payment.
- You are at least 19 years old, unless an exception applies.
- You filed the relevant income tax and benefit return.
There is no separate application for most existing Canadian residents. The CRA reviews your filed return and decides automatically whether you qualify and how much you should receive.
Income Thresholds (General Idea)
The GST/HST credit is income-tested. Single adults with modest incomes can receive the full credit. Couples and families can still qualify at higher income levels because family size matters. As adjusted family net income rises, the credit gradually phases out.
The CRA updates the exact thresholds each year for inflation. If you want a personalised estimate instead of just a general rule, use the calculator.
What If You Are Under 19?
Generally, you need to be 19 or older to receive the GST/HST credit. You can still qualify before 19 if you have or had a spouse or common-law partner, or if you are or were a parent living with your child.
If you turn 19 during 2026, file your 2025 return even if you had no income. The CRA can then determine your eligibility automatically, and your first payment can start after your 19th birthday.
The Benefit Year Detail Most People Do Not Realise
July-to-June Cycle Explained
The GST/HST credit follows a benefit year that runs from July to June. That means January and April 2026 are still tied to your 2024 return, while July and October 2026 switch to your 2025 return.
Why This Matters for Your Payments
- Your January and April 2026 payments were already determined when the CRA assessed your 2024 return.
- Your July and October 2026 payments depend on what your 2025 return shows.
- If your 2025 return is not filed or assessed in time, your July recalculation can be delayed or skipped.
That is why filing on time matters for more than your refund. It keeps your benefit data current for the July reset. See also File your 2025 taxes by April 30, 2026 to keep benefits.
How Newcomers to Canada Can Get the GST/HST Credit
- Get a Social Insurance Number (SIN).
- Submit Form RC151 if you are a new resident and need the CRA to assess you for the GST/HST credit before your first full return cycle.
- File your first Canadian tax return, even if it covers only a partial year and your income was low.
- Set up direct deposit so payments arrive quickly and securely.
Imagine Amara moved to Toronto in August 2025, got her SIN in September, and earned $8,000 before year-end. She submits Form RC151 and files her first Canadian return in March 2026. Because her income for the partial year is modest, the CRA may determine that she qualifies for the GST/HST credit starting with the July 2026 payment.
If she also lives in Ontario and completes the ON-BEN portion when filing, she may qualify for the Ontario Trillium Benefit as well.
Why People Miss a GST/HST Payment (and How to Fix It)
- Your tax return has not been filed or assessed yet.
- Your direct deposit details are wrong or outdated.
- Your CRA profile still has old personal information such as address or marital status.
- Your income or family situation changed and the CRA recalculated your credit.
- Your quarterly amount is under $50, so the CRA sends a single lump sum in July instead.
The most common fix is simple: file your return and make sure the CRA has current information. If you think the record is already correct, check your CRA My Account and review the latest benefit messages before assuming the payment disappeared for no reason.
Before you call the CRA
The CRA recommends waiting 10 business days after the scheduled payment date before contacting them about a missing GST/HST credit payment.
Real-Life Examples
Example 1 — Single Person Who Almost Did Not File
Kevin is 24 and works part-time at a coffee shop in Calgary. He earned $16,000 in 2025 and almost skipped filing because he did not owe tax. By filing anyway, he unlocked the GST/HST credit and potentially other supports such as the Advanced Canada Workers Benefit if his working income qualifies.
That return took a short amount of time to file but unlocked real money that otherwise would not have shown up.
Example 2 — Newcomer Family in Their First Year
Wei and Mei arrived in Vancouver in June 2025 with their five-year-old daughter. They filed Form RC151 and then filed their 2025 returns in early 2026. Because their partial-year Canadian income was modest, the CRA could assess them for the GST/HST credit starting with the July 2026 payment.
They may also qualify for the Canada Child Benefit. See CCB payment dates for 2026 for the monthly schedule and July recalculation details.
What to Do Next
- File your 2025 tax return before April 30, 2026 so your July and October payments can be recalculated correctly.
- Check CRA My Account to verify your address, marital status, direct deposit details, and benefit status.
- If you are a newcomer, file Form RC151 and your first Canadian return as soon as possible.
- Use Benefit Check to estimate your GST/HST credit and other programs you may qualify for.
Staying on top of tax filing and keeping your CRA profile up to date is what keeps these quarterly payments predictable.
Missed a payment? Not sure why?
Run a quick benefits check to see what you qualify for and what might be holding up your payments.
FAQ
Do I need to apply for the GST/HST credit?+
In most cases, no. If you are already a Canadian resident and you file your income tax and benefit return, the CRA determines your eligibility automatically. Newcomers should often submit Form RC151 and then file a return as soon as possible.
Is the GST/HST credit taxable?+
No. The GST/HST credit is a tax-free payment. You do not report it as income on your tax return.
How much can I get from the GST/HST credit?+
The amount depends on your family net income, marital status, and number of children. The CRA adjusts thresholds and maximums over time, so the best approach is to check current CRA guidance or run an estimate using your actual situation.
What if I filed my taxes late?+
You can still receive the credit, but it may be delayed until your return is assessed. Missed amounts are usually paid retroactively after the CRA processes your file.
I did not get my January payment. Does that mean I am not eligible?+
Not necessarily. Your return may not have been assessed yet, your direct deposit details may be outdated, or your annual entitlement may be small enough that the CRA will issue a lump sum in July instead of quarterly payments.
