The Goods and Services Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax (GST/HST) credit is a tax-free quarterly payment provided by the Canadian government to help individuals and families with low or modest incomes offset the cost of GST/HST. For those receiving the GST/HST credit, it’s important to know the payment dates and how to ensure you receive your payments, whether you’re filing your taxes through Netfile, receiving cheques, or submitting paper returns. Here’s everything you need to know for 2023-2024.
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What is the GST/HST Credit?
The GST/HST credit is designed to provide financial relief to eligible Canadians by helping them cover the cost of GST/HST they pay on goods and services throughout the year. The credit is based on your household income and is paid out every quarter.
Who is Eligible for the GST/HST Credit?
To be eligible for the GST/HST credit, you must meet the following criteria:
- Canadian Residency: You must be a Canadian resident for income tax purposes.
- Income Requirements: Your household income must fall within the eligible range, which is determined by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) based on your tax return.
- Age Requirement: You must be 19 years of age or older, have (or had) a spouse or common-law partner, or be (or have been) a parent and live (or have lived) with your child.
Eligibility is automatically determined when you file your income tax return, so it’s important to file your taxes every year, even if you have no income.
GST/HST Credit Payment Dates for 2023-2024
For the period of 2023-2024, the GST/HST credit payments will be issued on the following dates:
Here is the information organized in a table according to the year:
| Year | GST/HST Credit Payment Date |
|---|---|
| 2023 | July 5, 2023 |
| 2023 | October 5, 2023 |
| 2024 | January 5, 2024 |
| 2024 | April 5, 2024 |
These dates are consistent for all recipients, whether you’re receiving payments via direct deposit or cheques.
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How to Receive Your GST/HST Credit
1. Netfile
If you file your tax return using Netfile, your GST/HST credit payments are typically issued via direct deposit. This is the fastest and most secure way to receive your payments. Make sure your banking information is up to date with the CRA to avoid any delays.
2. Cheques
If you prefer to receive your GST/HST credit by cheque, or if you have not set up direct deposit, the CRA will mail your payment to the address on file. Ensure that your mailing address is current to avoid missing your payment.
3. Paper Returns
If you file your tax return using a paper form, you can still receive your GST/HST credit via direct deposit or cheque. However, paper returns can take longer to process, which might delay your payment. Consider filing electronically for faster processing.
What to Do If You Haven’t Received Your Payment
If you haven’t received your GST/HST credit by the payment date, consider the following steps:
- Check Your Status: Log in to your CRA My Account to check the status of your payment and ensure your direct deposit information or mailing address is correct.
- Processing Time: Allow up to 10 business days after the payment date for your direct deposit or cheque to arrive. For paper returns, processing may take longer, so check the status of your return.
- Contact the CRA: If your payment is delayed beyond the standard processing time, contact the CRA to investigate.
GST/HST Payment Dates for 2024
The GST/HST credit is paid out quarterly. For the 2023 tax year, the GST/HST Payment Dates are:
Here is the information organized in a table according to the year:
| Year | GST/HST Credit Payment Dates 2024 |
|---|---|
| 2024 | January 5, 2024 |
| 2024 | April 5, 2024 |
Who Qualifies for Double GST/HST Credit?
There’s no such thing as a “double GST/HST credit.” However, there might be some confusion with other benefits.
Possible Misunderstandings:
- Increased GST/HST Credit: The amount of your GST/HST credit can increase based on your income, family size, and other factors. If your circumstances change, you might receive a higher credit than the previous year.
- Other Tax Credits: There are other tax credits available that might be mistakenly referred to as a “double GST/HST credit.” These include:
To determine if you qualify for any of these benefits or if your GST/HST credit has increased, you should:
- File your income tax return: This is the primary way to determine your eligibility for various tax benefits and credits.
- Check your mail: The CRA will send you notices if there are changes to your benefits or credits.
- Use the CRA’s online services: You can check your benefit and credit information through My Account on the CRA website.
The GST/HST credit provides valuable financial support to Canadians with low or modest incomes. By staying informed about the payment dates and ensuring your tax return is filed correctly—whether through Netfile, by cheque, or via paper returns—you can ensure you receive your payments on time. Mark the payment dates on your calendar and make sure all your information is up to date with the CRA to avoid any delays.
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