As the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) confirms the 2026 GST/HST Credit payment schedule, millions of Canadians are set to receive up to $496 tax-free in quarterly deposits. This GST/HST benefit is designed to ease the burden of rising living costs, giving families and low-income individuals a needed financial boost.
In this detailed article, we break down everything you need to know about the GST/HST credit 2026, including payment dates, eligibility rules, how much you’ll actually get, and what you can do to maximize your benefit.
📅 What is the GST/HST Credit?
The GST/HST credit is a tax-free quarterly payment issued by the CRA to help offset the impact of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST). Its purpose is to support low to moderate-income Canadians with essential household relief.
For 2026, the maximum annual amount for an individual is $496, with additional amounts available for spouses, common-law partners, and dependent children. This means that qualifying households may receive substantially more than $496 annually.
💰 How Much Will You Get in 2026?
The CRA GST/HST 2026 credit is calculated based on your 2025 income tax return. Generally, the less you earn, the higher your credit.
Here’s a breakdown of the maximum you can receive:
- Single individual: $496
- Married or common-law couples: An additional $650 approx.
- Each dependent child under 19: Around $175-$190 per child
So, for example, a family of four in 2026 could receive over $1,500 in GST/HST credits.
📆 CRA 2026 GST/HST Credit Payment Dates
The CRA releases the GST/HST credit quarterly. For 2026, the official payment schedule is as follows:
| Quarter | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| Q1 | January 10, 2026 |
| Q2 | April 9, 2026 |
| Q3 | July 9, 2026 |
| Q4 | October 8, 2026 |
👉 Make sure your banking details with CRA are up-to-date, as most payments are deposited directly into your account through CRA direct deposit.
✅ Who Is Eligible for the 2026 GST/HST Credit?
To qualify for the 2026 GST/HST payment, you must:
- Be a Canadian resident for income tax purposes.
- File your 2025 tax return (even with no income).
- Meet the income threshold requirement (varies based on family size).
Even students, seniors, and individuals with no income should file their taxes to receive the GST/HST credit 2026.
🏦 Why You May Not Receive Your Payment
Some Canadians may not see their $496 GST/HST credit if:
- They haven’t filed their income tax return.
- Their income exceeds the CRA cutoff.
- Their banking information is outdated.
- They owe money to the CRA, which could be deducted from the credit.
Double-check your My CRA Account or the Notice of Redetermination to ensure your eligibility.
⚡ How to Make Sure You Get It
Here are some steps to ensure you don’t miss your GST/HST payments in 2026:
- ✅ File your 2025 tax return on time
- ✅ Sign up for CRA direct deposit
- ✅ Keep your address & banking info updated
- ✅ Check CRA My Account regularly
By doing this, you can guarantee that your GST/HST refund credit arrives on time each quarter.
📊 Quick Reference Table – GST/HST Credit 2026
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Maximum per individual | $496 |
| Maximum for couples | Approx. $1,146 (combined) |
| Per dependent child | $175 – $190 |
| Payment Frequency | Quarterly (4 times a year) |
| First 2026 Payment Date | January 10, 2026 |
✨ Pro Tip: Even if you think you don’t qualify, file your taxes every year. Many Canadians miss out on hundreds of dollars simply because they don’t file.
🙋 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is the GST/HST credit taxable income?
No, the GST/HST credit is tax-free and does not need to be reported as income.
Q2: What happens if I miss a payment?
If your GST/HST payment doesn’t arrive on the date scheduled, wait 10 business days before contacting CRA.
Q3: Can non-residents of Canada claim it?
No, only Canadian residents at the start of the payment quarter qualify.
Q4: Do I need to apply for the GST/HST credit?
No separate application is required. Simply file your taxes, and CRA will automatically determine your eligibility.
🌟 Final Thoughts
The announcement of the 2026 CRA GST/HST credit schedule brings good news to millions of Canadians. Whether you’re receiving the full $496 or additional amounts for dependents, this credit can significantly ease living costs in a challenging economy.
👉 If you want to make sure you don’t miss out, keep your details up to date with CRA, file your taxes on time, and monitor your CRA My Account regularly.
💡 With payments starting on January 10, 2026, Canadians can look forward to a helpful financial boost throughout the year.
⚠️ Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or tax advice. For personalized guidance, please consult the official CRA website or a qualified tax professional.
