CRA GST/HST Rebate is a government program in Canada designed to provide eligible individuals and businesses with financial relief by refunding a portion of the GST/HST they have paid. While it is not a job, it acts as a valuable source of income support, helping people manage expenses and improve their financial well-being. The application and processing are primarily online or through physical mail, making it accessible and convenient for applicants.
No prior experience is required to claim the rebate, and it is aimed at easing the financial burden for families, seniors, and small businesses. Receiving the CRA GST/HST rebate can bring peace of mind, allowing recipients to focus on what matters most while benefiting from meaningful government support.
What is CRA GST/HST Rebate?
Canadians with low or moderate incomes can get a tax-free payment every three months from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). This payment is called the Goods and Services Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax (GST/HST) credit. It gives them back some of the GST or HST they paid on everyday things like food, utilities, and other necessary goods and services.
The credit is meant to make Canada’s tax system more fair while easing the burden of the consumption tax on low-income families and people.
GST/HST credits, on the other hand, are based on family income, marital status, and number of children. They are different from income tax returns or other benefits because they are focused on consumption taxes.
Why the GST/HST Credit is Important?
The GST/HST credit was introduced in 1991 along with the federal GST. It makes things fair by returning some of the consumption taxes that low-income families have to pay more than their fair share of.
It works with other social programs like the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) and Old Age Security (OAS), focusing on the sales tax in particular.
Everyday costs are going up because of inflation in 2026, so the GST/HST credit is very important for helping Canadians pay their bills and cover other necessary costs without going into too much debt.
CRA Confirmed Payment Date for October 2026
The GST/HST refund payment for the October quarter will be sent out by the CRA on Friday, October 3, 2026. This is the last and fourth payment for the benefit year that runs from July 2026 to June 2027.
Money is sent instantly either by direct deposit to bank accounts or by check if information for direct deposit is not available.
The payment schedule for the 2026 benefit year is:
| Quarter | Payment Date |
| Q1 | January 3, 2026 |
| Q2 | April 4, 2026 |
| Q3 | July 4, 2026 |
| Q4 | October 3, 2026 |
Eligibility for GST/HST Credit Payments:
The GST/HST credit is mostly based on information from the previous tax year, which in this case is the 2024 income tax report. The CRA instantly checks if someone is eligible based on their adjusted family net income, the number of people living in their home, and their residency status.
Key eligibility requirements include:
- For income tax reasons, living in Canada in the month before and at the beginning of the payment month.
- You must file your 2024 income tax return, even if you didn’t make any money, in order to be considered eligible.
- Having a low to moderate adjusted family net income that is below the CRA’s limits (people with higher incomes get less or no help).
- If you are younger than 19 on December 31 of the eligibility year, you must be living with a parent or spouse. If you are younger than 19, you must be living with a husband or common-law partner.
To get the credit, newcomers to Canada must fill out Form RC66, which is called a GST/HST Credit Application for Individuals Who Are Newcomers to Canada.
How Much Can You Expect from the October 2026 Payment?
The amount that each qualified person or family gets is based on their adjusted net family income and the number of people in their family. The CRA figures out an annual amount and sends it to you every three months.
From July 2026 to June 2027, the highest yearly amounts for benefits are about
| Household Type | Maximum Annual Amount (CAD) | Approximate Quarterly Payment |
| Single individual | $533 | $133.25 |
| Married or common-law couple | $698 | $174.50 |
| Each child under 19 years | $184 | $46 |
Examples:
- A single parent with two kids younger than 19 could get up to $901 a year, or about $225 every three months.
- A retired couple with low wages might get around $698 a year, or $174.50 a quarter.
The credit slowly ends for families with incomes above $55,000 for single people and between $65,000 and $70,000 for couples with children.
How Does CRA Calculate the GST/HST Credit?
CRA figures out the credit based on the adjusted family net income you report on your tax return. Families with children or low incomes get a bigger credit, and as income goes up, the credit goes down.
People in the same family who file separately report their net income. Credits for couples and families are added together to show the overall number of people living in the home and how much money they make. As a result, financial help is more likely to match real capacity.
Important CRA Rules for GST/HST Credit Recipients:
- There’s no need to apply: Unless you are a newbie, filing your income tax return is enough.
- Free from taxes: The credit is not taxed as income and does not change any other benefits that depend on income.
- It’s best to use direct deposit: Makes payments faster and more secure.
- Change your own information: If your address or bank information changes, let the CRA know so that payments aren’t held up or checks get lost in the mail.
- When you are no longer a resident for tax reasons or when you don’t meet the requirements in the following years, the payments stop.
How to Check Your GST/HST Credit Payment Status?
Payees can quickly check their payment dates, amounts, and progress by:
- CRA Under “Benefits and Credits,” in the “My Account” online site.
- Automated phone service for the CRA.
- Notes from CRA that come in the mail or by email.
- For proof of direct deposits, check your bank records.
Check More: Canada Driving License Rules 2026 – Changes for Seniors
Table: Summary of October 2026 GST/HST Rebate Key Details
| Feature | Description |
| Payment Date | October 3, 2026 |
| Payment Frequency | Quarterly |
| Maximum Annual Amounts (2026–27) | $533 (single), $698 (couple), $184 per child |
| Eligibility Basis | 2024 Adjusted Family Net Income |
| Application Requirement | None (except newcomers) |
| Payment Methods | Direct deposit or cheque |
| Credit Taxability | Tax-free |
| CRA Contact Number | 1-800-387-1193 |
Broader Impact of the GST/HST Rebate:
The GST/HST credit is still an important part of Canada’s social safety net because it helps families with low or moderate incomes.
It has a big effect during tough economic times like inflation and rising costs for things like rent and energy. The release every three months helps families with their cash flow and gives them the tools they need to make good budgets.
Economic experts agree that the credit lowers spending taxes and promotes social justice by making sure that low-income families can afford the same things as wealthier families.
Conclusion:
The CRA GST/HST Rebate is a valuable program that allows eligible individuals and businesses in Canada to recover a portion of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) or Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) paid on purchases. By understanding the eligibility criteria and filing requirements, applicants can maximize their rebates and improve cash flow. This rebate helps reduce financial burden and supports Canadians in managing everyday expenses efficiently.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who is eligible for the CRA GST/HST Rebate?
Individuals, families, and businesses who have paid GST/HST on eligible goods and services may qualify.
How can I apply for the rebate?
Applications can be submitted online through the CRA My Account portal or by mailing a completed rebate form.
How long does it take to receive the rebate?
Processing times vary, but most applicants receive their rebate within 4–8 weeks after submission.
