The CRA has confirmed the GST HST deposit for December and officially announced a $496 GST/HST credit for eligible Canadians. The Canada Revenue Agency says this tax-free payment aims to reduce financial stress as living costs keep increasing nationwide. This December payment is part of the federal government’s support plan to help low & moderate income households maintain financial stability during the year-end period. This guide covers the GST/HST credit December payment & includes the updated schedule along with eligibility requirements & instructions on how to claim your benefit quickly.
Updated GST/HST Credit Information for Canadians
The December GST/HST credit payment of $496 is now available to eligible Canadians. This tax-free benefit helps offset some of the sales tax that individuals and families pay throughout the year. The Canada Revenue Agency sends these payments automatically to people who meet the income and residency requirements. The CRA uses information from your most recent tax return to determine if you qualify. Since December marks the last GST/HST payment of the year it plays an important role in household budgets and financial planning. Understanding how the CRA GST/HST credit works helps Canadians know when to expect their deposits and ensures they receive all the benefits they qualify for.
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CRA GST/HST Payment Schedule Explained
The CRA has established a clear GST/HST payment schedule to help Canadians understand when they will receive their credits. This schedule includes both the regular quarterly payments and a special December payment of $496 for eligible recipients. Your eligibility for these payments depends on the information you provided in your most recent tax return. The CRA reviews your income & family situation from that return to determine if you qualify and how much you should receive. When it comes to receiving your payment, the CRA uses the payment method you have set up in your account. If you have registered for direct deposit the money will go straight into your bank account. If you have not set up direct deposit, the CRA will mail you a cheque instead.
GST/HST Credit Payment Timeline
| GST/HST Credit Cycle | Scheduled Issue Month |
|---|---|
| First Quarterly Installment | July 2025 |
| Second Quarterly Installment | October 2025 |
| Third Quarterly Installment | January 2026 |
| Fourth Quarterly Installment | April 2026 |
| Special One-Time Credit (Confirmed) | December 2025 — up to $496 |
How to Claim the GST/HST Credit Successfully
Getting the GST/HST credit in Canada is straightforward if you file your taxes correctly and on time. The CRA figures out who qualifies by looking at your net family income and residency status along with your marital status and how many dependents you have. Most Canadians don’t have to apply for this credit separately. If you’re new to Canada though you need to fill out Form RC151 to sign up for the GST/HST credit. The CRA suggests setting up direct deposit to make sure you get your December GST/HST payment without any holdups. Direct deposit makes the process faster and keeps your money more secure.
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GST/HST Eligibility Rules for Canadian Families
To get the CRA GST/HST credit families need to meet certain requirements. This includes income limits and family size along with being a Canadian resident when payments are made. Households with lower incomes typically receive larger GST/HST payments because the program aims to help Canadians pay for basic needs like food and utilities & housing. The CRA looks at changes in relationship status & custody agreements and childcare duties when figuring out payment amounts. Making sure your personal and family information stays current with the CRA helps families get their complete GST/HST credit including the confirmed $496 December payment.
What the December GST/HST Deposit Means for Canadians
The CRA has confirmed that the $496 GST/HST credit deposit will arrive in December & provide important financial support to millions of Canadians. This tax-free benefit helps cover daily expenses and is particularly valuable for families with low to moderate incomes. Canadians who want to receive their GST/HST credit payments on time should file their taxes when due & keep their CRA information current. Setting up direct deposit also helps ensure the money arrives without delays. The most effective way to get the full value of available government benefits is to stay updated on announcements from the CRA.
