GST Payment Dates 2026: Your Guide to CRA Credit Schedules
The federal Goods and Services Tax / Harmonized Sales Tax (GST/HST) credit is a tax-free quarterly payment issued by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Designed to help low- and modest-income Canadian individuals and families offset consumption taxes, remaining aware of the official payment dates ensures accurate financial planning.
Official 2026 GST/HST Payment Schedule
The Canada Revenue Agency issues GST/HST credit payments quarterly on the fifth day of January, April, July, and October. If the fifth falls on a weekend or statutory holiday, the payment is released on the last business day prior.
| Payment Date | Base Tax Year | Status |
|---|---|---|
| January 5, 2026 | 2024 Tax Return | Issued |
| April 3, 2026 (Adj. for Easter) | 2024 Tax Return | Issued |
| July 3, 2026 (Adj. for weekend) | 2025 Tax Return | Issued |
| October 5, 2026 | 2025 Tax Return | UPCOMING NEXT |
| January 5, 2027 | 2025 Tax Return | Future Cycle |
GST Cheques vs. Direct Deposit Delivery
If you receive your GST payments via mailed paper cheque, allow up to 10 business days from the payment release date for Canada Post delivery. Setting up direct deposit through CRA My Account ensures instant fund access on payment mornings.
GST/HST Credit Maximum Amounts (2026-2027 Benefit Year)
The payment cycle running from July 2026 to June 2027 reflects indexed inflation adjustments based on your 2025 Adjusted Family Net Income (AFNI). The updated maximum annual credit amounts are detailed below:
$545 / year
Up to $136.25 per quarter (includes single supplement eligibility).
$714 / year
Up to $178.50 per quarter for married or common-law partners.
$188 / year
Up to $47.00 per quarter per registered child under 19.
Payments begin to phase out gradually once your adjusted family net income exceeds approximately $44,000. Check your exact entitlement using our Canada GST Credit Rates Calculator.
Eligibility Criteria & Application Process
To receive quarterly GST payments, you must be at least 19 years old (or under 19 if you have/had a spouse or are a parent) and a resident of Canada for tax purposes at the beginning of the payment month.
Do You Need to Apply?
Canadian Residents: No separate application is required. The CRA automatically evaluates your profile when you file your annual income tax return, even if you earned $0 income.
Newcomers to Canada: You must submit Form RC151 (without children) or Form RC66 (with children) to register your income history with the CRA. Learn more in our Canada Carbon Rebate & GST Guide.
Key 2026 Federal Benefit Payment Dates
Coordinate your monthly budget with other federal and provincial benefit payout schedules across 2026:
Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
Issued monthly around the 20th. (e.g., Sep 18, Oct 20, Nov 20, Dec 18, 2026).
Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB)
Issued monthly around the 10th day for eligible Ontario residents.
Advanced Canada Workers Benefit (ACWB)
Quarterly payments issued in January, July, and October 2026.
Corporate Sales Tax Filing
Electronic filing managed via GST/HST NETFILE Online.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Ensure you file your income tax returns annually to maintain uninterrupted GST/HST credit payouts. Visit True North Taxes for updated calculators, CRA filing guides, and Canadian sales tax resources.