The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has officially confirmed that eligible Canadians will receive a $533 GST/HST credit payment on December 12, 2025. This tax-free benefit arrives at an important time, offering support before the holidays as households face higher grocery bills, rising winter utility costs, and increased seasonal spending.
Below is a complete guide to eligibility, payment calculations, timelines, and what Canadians should do to ensure their deposit arrives on time.
What Is the $533 GST/HST Credit?
The GST/HST credit is a tax-free quarterly benefit that helps low and modest-income Canadians offset sales tax costs.
The amount each person receives depends on several factors, including:
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Adjusted family net income
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Marital status
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Number of dependent children
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Eligibility for related federal benefits
For December 2025, the maximum credit is $533, including any applicable top-ups.
Why the CRA Issues the Payment in December
December is one of the most financially demanding months of the year due to:
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Holiday gift spending
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Increased grocery prices
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Higher heating and electricity charges
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Winter clothing and travel expenses
Issuing the payment on December 12 helps Canadians manage essential expenses during a time when budgets are stretched the most.
Who Qualifies for the December 2025 GST/HST Credit?
Eligibility is automatically determined based on information from your 2024 tax return. Canadians do not need to apply separately.
Income Requirements
The benefit is designed for low and modest-income households. The CRA reviews your adjusted family net income to determine your exact payment amount.
Age Requirement
You must be 19 or older, unless you meet one of these conditions:
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You live with your child
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You are or were married or in a common-law relationship
Marital Status Considerations
Both single individuals and couples may qualify. Couples receive one combined payment, not two separate ones.
Eligibility for Families With Children
Parents with children under 19 may receive additional amounts per child.
These amounts are automatically calculated based on your tax return.
How the CRA Calculates the $533 Amount
The CRA looks at several key factors when determining your exact GST/HST credit:
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Adjusted family net income
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Number of dependent children
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Your marital status
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Other benefits you qualify for
Canadians with the lowest incomes receive the maximum payment, which can reach $533 for the December 2025 cycle.
Official Payment Date and How the Funds Will Arrive
Confirmed Deposit Date
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December 12, 2025
Direct Deposit
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This is the fastest and most reliable method
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Payments often show up early in the morning on deposit day
Mailed Cheque
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For Canadians not enrolled in direct deposit
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Delivery may take several extra days depending on postal delays
How to Ensure You Receive Your Payment on Time
Before December 12, Canadians should:
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Confirm banking information in CRA My Account
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Verify their current mailing address
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Make sure their 2024 tax return is filed
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Resolve any CRA alerts or pending verifications
Taking these steps helps avoid delayed or missing payments.
Why the GST/HST Credit Matters in 2025
As living costs continue to rise, this credit provides critical support for everyday expenses such as:
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Groceries
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Heating and electricity
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Transportation
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Winter essentials
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Holiday purchases
For many households, this tax-free payment offers important financial breathing room at the end of the year.
How the GST/HST Credit Relates to Other CRA Benefits
The GST/HST credit is separate from other federal programs but uses the same tax information as:
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Canada Child Benefit
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Climate Action Incentive
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Canada Workers Benefit
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Old Age Security
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Guaranteed Income Supplement
This means filing your taxes ensures you are assessed for all eligible benefits automatically.
What Canadians Should Do Before December 12
Here are the most important steps to prepare:
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Check CRA My Account for messages or updates
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Confirm direct deposit information
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Update your mailing address if necessary
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Respond quickly to any CRA requests
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Review your 2024 tax information for accuracy
Making updates ahead of time reduces the risk of processing issues.
What to Expect After the Payment Arrives
After receiving the $533 credit, Canadians can use the funds to cover immediate needs.
The next round of GST/HST credit payments for 2026 is expected on the usual quarterly schedule:
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March
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June
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September
If your payment does not arrive within 10 business days of December 12, the CRA recommends contacting them to review your account.
Final Thoughts
The $533 GST/HST credit landing on December 12, 2025 offers timely financial relief for millions of Canadians. As long as your CRA information is up to date and your tax return is filed, you can expect a smooth deposit.
This benefit remains one of Canada’s most important tools for supporting low and modest-income households during the high-cost winter season.