The Canadian government has several financial assistance programs to help its citizens with their financial burdens. One important program is the GST/HST Credit, managed by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Eligible taxpayers receive this credit four times a year to help cover their daily expenses.
In 2025, this credit will be issued in January, April, July, and October. Many people expected the $698 credit to be available in September 2025, but this payment will now be made on October 3, 2025.
What is the CRA GST/HST Credit?
The GST/HST Credit is an income-tax-free payment from the Government of Canada for eligible individuals. Its main aim is to help low- and middle-income families manage their expenses.
This payment goes straight to beneficiaries’ bank accounts, and no separate application is needed. The CRA figures out the amount of credit you’re eligible for based on your last income tax return. If your family income is higher, you will get a lower credit; if your income is lower, you will receive a higher benefit.
Why didn’t you receive a payment in September 2025?
Many citizens were confused that they would receive a $698 credit in September 2025. However, according to the CRA’s official schedule, this credit is only issued in January, April, July, and October. Therefore, no payment was received in September. The next payment will now be transferred to beneficiaries’ accounts on October 3, 2025.
$698 CRA GST/HST Credit October 2025 – Key Details
- Payment Authority: Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
- Payment Amount: Maximum $698 (depending on family income)
- Payment Frequency: Quarterly – 4 times a year
- Next Payment Date: October 3, 2025
Eligibility Rules:
- Must be a resident of Canada.
- Must be at least 19 years of age.
- Must have a dependent child or spouse.
- Must have filed a previous income tax return.
Who is eligible?
The CRA has established certain rules that are necessary to receive the GST/HST credit:
- Residence Rule:
You must be a resident of Canada at the time of payment, i.e., October 2025. - Age:
The beneficiary must be at least 19 years old. - Family Status:
If you are married or have a dependent child, you are eligible. - Income Tax Filing:
The CRA determines the amount of credit you receive based on your family income from the previous year. Therefore, it is crucial to file your income tax return on time.
Important: There is no need to submit a separate application for this credit. The CRA uses your personal and banking details to make payments directly into your bank account.
Points to Keep in Mind
- File your income tax return on time.
- Keep your bank and personal information updated in My Account on the CRA website.
- If there is a change in your family circumstances (such as marriage or a child), notify the CRA immediately.
2025 Payment Schedule
The CRA has already announced the payment dates for 2025:
- First Payment: January 3, 2025
- Second Payment: April 4, 2025
- Third Payment: July 4, 2025
- Fourth Payment: October 3, 2025
This means that eligible taxpayers receive this amount a total of four times a year.
Benefits of the $698 CRA GST/HST Credit
This credit is especially useful for families and individuals with limited income. Its main benefits are:
- Tax-Free Payment: This amount is tax-free, meaning it is added directly to the beneficiary’s income.
- Family Financial Assistance: Helps cover childcare, household expenses, and other necessities.
- Direct Bank Transfer: The amount is deposited directly into your bank account, making the process transparent and easy.
- Benefits Without Application: Simply filing your income tax return is sufficient.
Conclusion
The $698 CRA GST/HST Credit is a very big financial aid program of the Government of Canada, which is issued four times annually. The following year 2025 payment will be given to eligible taxpayers on October 3, 2025.
This scheme does not only relieve economically weak and middle-income families, but also puts their lives at ease. This credit will definitely reprieve your financial burden in case you submitted your income tax filing on time and you are eligible.
FAQs
Q1. What is the CRA GST/HST Credit?
It is a tax-free payment by the Government of Canada to help low- and middle-income families with living expenses.
Q2. When will the next payment be made?
The next payment for 2025 will be issued on October 3, 2025.
Q3. Who is eligible for this credit?
Canadian residents aged 19 or older, with a dependent spouse or child, and who have filed their income tax return, are eligible.
Q4. Do I need to apply separately for this credit?
No, CRA automatically calculates and deposits the payment using your income tax return and banking information.
Q5. How much will I receive?
The amount varies based on family income, up to a maximum of $698 per eligible family.
