If you’re a Canadian taxpayer with modest income, you may have heard about the $698 CRA GST/HST Credit October 2025 payment. It’s one of the quarterly benefit payments many are looking forward to this year. This credit helps offset some of the GST/HST you pay and knowing whether you qualify can make a real difference in budgeting for your household.
In this post, I’ll walk you through all the criteria, rules, and steps you need to check to see if you’re eligible for the CRA GST/HST Credit October 2025. We’ll cover how it’s calculated, when it’s paid, what affects your eligibility, and tips to ensure you get it.
CRA GST/HST Credit October 2025
The CRA GST/HST Credit October 2025 is part of a four‑payment cycle that runs each year, issued by the Canada Revenue Agency to help reduce the burden of sales taxes on low‑ and modest‑income households. This October installment is based on your 2024 tax return, your adjusted family net income, marital status, and number of children. For that benefit period (July 2025 to June 2026), the maximum credit is $698 for couples or common-law partners, and $533 for a single individual.
Overview Table
Here’s a quick reference you can use as a guide:
| Item | Detail |
| Payment date (October 2025) | October 3, 2025 |
| Maximum amount for couples | $698 (for married/common‑law) |
| Maximum amount for singles | $533 |
| Additional amount per child under 19 | $184 |
| Frequency | Quarterly: January, April, July, October |
| Eligibility age requirement | 19+ (or met conditions if under 19) |
| Residency requirement | Must be a resident of Canada for income tax purposes |
| Basis of calculation | Adjusted family net income, number of children, marital status |
What is the GST/HST Credit
The GST/HST credit is a non‑taxable federal benefit intended to help Canadians with modest incomes by giving back a portion of the sales taxes they pay. It’s delivered four times a year and is automatically considered when you file your tax return.
You typically don’t need to apply separately. If you file your 2024 tax return on time and meet the criteria, the CRA uses that return to determine your eligibility for the upcoming benefit period.
Who is Eligible
To be eligible for the CRA GST/HST Credit October 2025, you need to meet these conditions:
- Age: You must be at least 19 years old in the month before the payment, or if under 19, you should have (or had) a spouse or common-law partner, or be (or have been) a parent living with a child.
- Residency: You must be a resident of Canada for tax purposes in the month before and at the start of the month when CRA makes the payment.
- Income Limits: Your adjusted family net income (AFNI) must be below certain thresholds. If your income is too high, the benefit is reduced or eliminated.
- Children: If you have children under 19, they can increase your credit, provided they meet the CRA’s rules.
- Filing Tax Return: You must file a valid 2024 tax return, even if your income is zero.
How Much You can Receive
The total amount you receive under the CRA GST/HST Credit October 2025 depends on your personal situation:
- A single individual can receive up to $533 annually (split across quarterly payments).
- A married or common-law couple can get up to $698 combined.
- For each eligible child under 19, you may receive an additional $184 for that year.
- The actual payment you receive is reduced gradually if your income exceeds certain levels.
Note: If your income or family status changes during the year (marriage, separation, a child turns 19), the CRA may recalculate your credit.
When Payment is Made
The October 2025 payment of the GST/HST credit is scheduled for October 3, 2025.
If, for any reason, you don’t receive your payment by that date, the CRA advises waiting 10 business days before contacting them.
The payments are part of a regular cycleJanuary, April, July, and October.
What Affects Eligibility or Amount
Several factors can reduce or remove your eligibility for the credit:
- Higher income: If your adjusted family net income rises above certain thresholds, your credit amount decreases or vanishes.
- Change in marital status: Marrying, separating, or divorcing can affect your entitlement.
- Child turning 19: When a child no longer qualifies (ages 19), the extra benefit stops.
- Failing to file a tax return: If you don’t file, CRA can’t assess your eligibility.
- Incorrect or outdated personal info: Errors in address, number of children, or marital status can delay or reduce payments.
How to Ensure You Get the Credit
To make your path smoother toward receiving the CRA GST/HST Credit October 2025, try the following steps:
- File your 2024 tax return early – even with no income, this is how CRA determines your eligibility.
- Sign up for direct deposit in your CRA My Account for timely delivery.
- Report life changes promptly – marital status, address, dependents via “My Account” or forms.
- Use CRA’s benefit calculator to estimate your credit ahead of time.
- If payment is missing after 10 days, reach out to CRA to check your file.
Common Mistakes and Tips
- Don’t assume $698 is paid at one time – that’s the maximum annual amount for couples.
- Make sure all children under 19 are registered correctly – missing one can reduce your benefit.
- Filing late or skipping your return even when income is zero can disqualify you.
- Keep all personal data (address, marital status, custody arrangements) updated.
- If your circumstances change mid‑year, CRA can recalculate your credit upward or downward.
FAQs
No. When you file your 2024 tax return, CRA automatically reviews your eligibility.
Wait about 10 business days first. If it still doesn’t come, contact CRA to check your status.
Only if your adjusted family net income stays below CRA’s cut‑off levels. If it’s above, your credit may be reduced or eliminated.
Yes. For each child under 19, you may get an additional $184 added to your credit amount.
CRA can recalculate your credit mid‑term if you marry, separate, or change your family situation.
