The Canada Revenue Agency has confirmed that eligible Canadians will receive their December 2025 GST/HST payment of $496. This payment comes from the Goods & Services Tax and Harmonized Sales Tax credit program that helps people and families with low to moderate incomes. The program helps reduce the cost of taxes and provides additional money during the holidays. People who qualify will get automatic deposits in their bank accounts or receive a cheque in the mail if they have not arranged direct deposit. Knowing when payments arrive & who qualifies is important so Canadians can get their full benefit on time.
Updated December Deposit Timeline
For December 2025 the CRA has set a clear schedule for GST/HST payments. Most eligible people will receive their money by December 20 2025. Some differences may happen based on how quickly your bank processes the payment. If you get a mailed cheque it might take a few extra business days to arrive at your home. The CRA notes that delays are uncommon but can happen. Recipients should check their CRA My Account or bank statements on a regular basis. Canadians should make sure their direct deposit details are correct & current. Taking this step helps prevent missed payments and makes sure funds arrive on time. Planning ahead during the busy holiday season can help people use this extra financial support effectively.
Who Is Eligible for the GST/HST Payment?
The GST/HST credit eligibility depends on your income and family situation. The CRA sets specific income limits every year. Most Canadian residents qualify if they are at least 19 years old & have a valid Social Insurance Number that meets the income requirements. Families with children can get extra money based on how many dependents they have. The CRA checks your eligibility automatically when you file your income tax return. This means you usually don’t need to fill out a separate application. But some people need to update their information with the CRA directly. This includes anyone who recently moved to Canada or had a change in marital status or didn’t file taxes the previous year. Keeping your information current helps ensure you receive this important financial support.
How to Claim Your GST/HST Payment
Most Canadians do not need to take extra steps to claim the GST/HST payment because it is automatically calculated based on tax returns filed with the CRA. You can verify your eligibility and check payment amounts by logging into CRA My Account for a secure and convenient method. If your account is not yet set up you can register easily and gain access to all relevant payment information. Individuals who have moved recently or had income changes should ensure their CRA profile is updated to reflect their current situation. Those who do not have direct deposit should expect a mailed cheque. Keeping your personal information current with the CRA guarantees timely delivery of funds and prevents potential delays.
Tips to Ensure Timely Payment
To make sure you receive the December 2025 GST/HST payment on time Canadians need to complete a few important tasks. Start by verifying that your direct deposit details with the CRA are up to date. Next, ensure you have submitted your latest income tax return since the CRA uses this information to determine who qualifies for the payment. You should also review any letters or notices from the CRA that may need your attention or response. Also, check your CRA My Account on a regular basis to stay informed about your payment status. Taking these actions helps prevent any holdups & makes certain you get your $496 payment without issues. This is particularly important for seniors, families and people with lower incomes who count on this money during the holiday period.
