The Goods and Services Tax (GST)/Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) Credit is a tax-free, quarterly payment designed to help low- and middle-income Canadians offset the cost of GST/HST they pay. This credit is especially helpful for individuals and families struggling with everyday expenses. However, confusion often arises regarding the timing of payments, leading to a surge in calls to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). If you’re one of the many wondering why you didn’t receive your GST/HST Credit in February, read on to find out why and what you can do to resolve the issue.
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Why Didn’t You Receive Your GST/HST Credit in February?
The first payment of GST/HST credit for 2025 is distributed in March, not February. There have been several inquiries to CRA about this, as many expect the payment earlier. However, you do not need to apply separately for the GST/HST credit—as long as you file your tax return, you will automatically be considered for the payment. Any changes in your life circumstances, such as having children or changes in income, should be reported to CRA, as they may affect the amount of your payment.
When Can You Expect Your Next Payment?
For those wondering when the next GST/HST credit payment will come through, the schedule is based on a quarterly cycle. The first disbursement is in March 2025, and the next will be in April 2025. If you did not receive the payment in March, it’s important to ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria.
Eligibility Criteria for GST/HST Credit
To qualify for the GST/HST credit, you must meet the following conditions:
- Age Criteria: The applicant must be at least 19 years old. However, if you are under 19, you can still qualify if:
- You have a spouse or common-law partner
- You are or were a parent, living or lived with your child
- Residency Requirements: You must be a Canadian citizen or meet the residency requirements. You should be living in Canada as of December of the year before the CRA makes a payment and continue residing there at the beginning of March when the payment is issued.
- Tax Return Filing: Filing your tax return is mandatory to receive the GST/HST credit.
Who Is Not Eligible?
The CRA does not provide the GST/HST credit to the following:
- Those who are not permanent residents of Canada for income tax purposes
- Those who don’t pay tax in Canada due to their status (e.g., foreign diplomats or their families)
- Deceased individuals
- People who have been confined to a prison or similar institution for 90 consecutive days or more.
Important Dates for GST/HST Credit Payments in 2025
For those eligible, payments are made quarterly. Here are the payment dates for 2025:
| Month | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| March | 3 March 2025 |
| April | 4 April 2025 |
| July | 4 July 2025 |
| October | 3 October 2025 |
What to Do If You Didn’t Receive Your GST/HST Credit
If you meet all the eligibility criteria but haven’t received your GST/HST credit by the expected date, here are some steps to follow:
- Review Your Eligibility: Double-check the eligibility requirements to ensure you qualify. If there have been any significant changes in your life circumstances (such as having children, changing marital status, or moving), these could impact the payment.
- Wait 10 Working Days: If the payment is delayed, allow up to 10 working days for the CRA to process your payment. If after this period you still haven’t received it, contact the CRA.
- Notify CRA of Changes: If any of the following situations apply to you, inform the CRA right away:
- Changes in the number of children in your care
- A change in marital status (e.g., divorce or marriage)
- Change of address or residency
- If the recipient of the credit has passed away
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How to Contact CRA for Assistance
If you encounter any issues with your GST/HST credit, such as delayed payments, incorrect amounts, or if you need to report changes in your personal information, the CRA is available to assist you. You can reach CRA at the following number:
- Phone: 1-800-387-1193
In case of further issues with your GST/HST credit, it’s always best to contact the CRA promptly to ensure there are no complications and to address any discrepancies or delays.
Conclusion
The GST/HST credit is an essential tax-free benefit for many Canadians, helping them manage the cost of the GST/HST they pay. If you didn’t receive your GST/HST credit in February, remember that the first payment for 2025 was in March. If you have questions or concerns about your payment, verify your eligibility, inform CRA of any changes, and give the system time to process. If there’s still no sign of your payment, don’t hesitate to contact CRA for assistance.
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