If you’re expecting your quarterly GST/HST Credit payment from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) this week, get ready for some pleasant surprises. Depending on where you live in Canada, you might see a larger deposit than you anticipated. Along with the federal credit, which helps lower- and modest-income Canadians manage sales taxes, several provinces and territories offer their own top-ups — and you could qualify for them, even if you’re not eligible for the federal credit.
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In addition to these provincial bonuses, the final round of carbon tax rebates will also be included for those living in regions that manage their own carbon tax systems separately from the federal one. These additional benefits are automatically included in your GST/HST Credit payment, so there’s no need to apply separately.
Let’s break down the provincial and territorial top-ups that could increase your GST/HST payment this week and how much you might be able to receive.
Provincial and Territorial GST/HST Credit Top-Ups You Could Be Getting This Week
British Columbia: The Last Boost from the BC Climate Action Tax Credit
For those living in British Columbia, this could be the final time you see a top-up linked to the BC Climate Action Tax Credit (BCATC). This quarterly benefit helps offset the costs of carbon taxes for lower-income individuals and families. The maximum amounts for the current cycle are as follows:
- $126 for an individual
- $63 for a spouse, common-law partner, or the first child in a single-parent family
- $31.50 for each additional child
This means a family of four could receive up to $252 extra this quarter. The benefit phases out if your income exceeds $41,071 as an individual or $57,288 as a family.
However, with the federal fuel charge repealed in March and BC following suit by scrapping its own carbon tax, this will be the last BCATC payment.
New Brunswick: The New Brunswick Harmonized Sales Tax Credit (NBHSTC)
New Brunswick residents will benefit from the New Brunswick Harmonized Sales Tax Credit (NBHSTC), which helps offset the province’s sales tax for low- and modest-income households. The amounts for the current cycle are:
- $75 if you’re single
- $75 more for a spouse or common-law partner, or the first child in a single-parent family
- $25 for each additional child under 19
A family of four can get up to $200 each quarter. The NBHSTC begins to phase out once your family’s adjusted net income exceeds $35,000.
Newfoundland & Labrador: Three Extra Benefits to Add Up
Residents of Newfoundland and Labrador might see up to three separate credits added to their quarterly GST/HST Credit payments, thanks to provincial programs designed for low-income individuals, seniors, and people with disabilities.
Here’s what you could receive:
- Newfoundland and Labrador Income Supplement (NLIS): Up to $130 for an individual, plus $17.25 for a spouse, and $57.75 for each child under 19.
- Disability Amount (NLDA): If you qualify for the Disability Tax Credit, you’ll receive $57.75 per quarter.
- Seniors’ Benefit: Seniors can get up to $379 per quarter.
A family of four could receive up to $566.75 each quarter if they qualify for all three credits.
Northwest Territories: The Cost of Living Offset (COLO)
The Northwest Territories’ Cost of Living Offset (COLO) is also winding down, with this being the final payout. This tax-free payment helps offset the territory’s carbon tax. For this cycle, the payments vary by zone:
- Zone A: $110.25 per adult, $126.25 per child
- Zone B: $112.75 per adult, $128.75 per child
- Zone C: $117.50 per adult, $133.50 per child
In Zone C, a family of four could receive up to $502 this quarter. Payments are not based on income, and the COLO is automatically included with your GST/HST Credit.
Nova Scotia: The Affordable Living Tax Credit
Nova Scotia offers its Affordable Living Tax Credit for low- and modest-income residents. For the 2024–2025 benefit period, the maximum you can receive is:
- $63.75 for an individual or a couple
- $15 per child
This means a family of four could receive up to $93.75 each quarter. The benefit phases out when your family income exceeds $30,000.
Nunavut: The Carbon Credit’s Final Payout
Nunavut’s Carbon Credit is wrapping up, as the federal carbon tax is no longer in place. Eligible residents can receive $25 per person in their household, up to $100 for a family of four. There are no income restrictions for this benefit.
Prince Edward Island: The Sales Tax Credit
Prince Edward Island offers a Sales Tax Credit to help offset the province’s sales tax for eligible households. For the 2024–2025 period, the maximum amounts are:
- $41.25 for an individual
- $13.75 for a spouse, common-law partner, or eligible dependent
A family of two or more could receive up to $55 per quarter. This benefit is reduced gradually based on income, with the phase-out range being between $41,000 and $50,000.
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Saskatchewan: The Low-Income Tax Credit
Saskatchewan residents will see an extra boost from the Low-Income Tax Credit, which helps qualifying households cope with the cost of living. The current amounts are:
- $99.50 for an individual
- $99.50 for a spouse, common-law partner, or eligible dependent
- $39.25 per child (up to two children)
A family of four can receive up to $277.50 every quarter. This credit starts to phase out when your family income exceeds $37,584, with partial payments available up to $77,947.
Final Thoughts
Your GST/HST Credit payment could be significantly larger this week thanks to these provincial top-ups and rebates. Whether it’s a boost from the BC Climate Action Tax Credit in British Columbia or the Affordable Living Tax Credit in Nova Scotia, these extra funds are automatically added to your regular CRA payment, and you don’t need to submit a separate application. Be sure to check your payment to see if you’re eligible for any of these credits, and enjoy the added financial support.