Millions of Canadians will receive their first GST/HST credit payment of 2026 on Monday, January 5, providing timely financial relief just after the holiday season. Issued by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), this tax-free quarterly benefit continues to play a vital role in supporting low- and modest-income households, including newcomers to Canada.
This guide explains who qualifies, how much you may receive, GST payment dates for 2026, and what steps newcomers must take to ensure they don’t miss out.
What Is the GST/HST Credit?
The GST/HST credit is a tax-free CRA benefit designed to offset the sales taxes Canadians pay on everyday goods and services. Payments are issued four times a year and are recalculated annually based on income and family status.
The current benefit year runs from July 2025 to June 2026, meaning the January 5 and April 2, 2026 payments are based on 2024 tax return data.
Who Is Eligible for the January 2026 GST Payment?
You may qualify for the GST payment in 2026 if you meet the following criteria:
-
You are a resident of Canada for tax purposes
-
You are 19 years or older, or under 19 with a spouse/common-law partner or a child
-
You have filed your income tax return
-
Your adjusted family net income falls within CRA thresholds
Eligibility is automatically assessed once taxes are filed—no separate application is required for most Canadians.
GST Credit for Newcomers to Canada
Newcomers to Canada can also qualify for the GST/HST credit, often making it one of the first CRA benefits they receive.
-
New permanent residents and temporary residents who become tax residents may need to apply manually in their first year
-
Individuals without children can apply using Form RC151
-
Families with children may need to submit Form RC66 (Canada Child Benefit application)
Once your tax profile is established, CRA generally reassesses eligibility automatically each year.
How Much GST Payment Can You Receive in 2026?
For the July 2025–June 2026 benefit year, the maximum annual GST amounts are:
-
$533 – Single individual
-
$698 – Married or common-law couples
-
$184 – Per eligible child under 19
Payments are issued quarterly, meaning most recipients receive one-quarter of their annual amount per payment.
Income Thresholds to Receive GST Payments
GST credits are income-tested. If your income exceeds CRA’s thresholds, your benefit may be reduced or eliminated.
For the 2024 base tax year, GST eligibility ends approximately at:
-
$56,181 – Single individual, no children
-
$59,481 – Married/common-law, no children
-
Higher thresholds apply for families with children
📌 Important: Being below these limits does not guarantee the maximum amount—payments reduce gradually as income rises.
GST Payment Increase Coming in July 2026
GST credits are indexed to inflation every July, not January.
-
The July 2026 payment is expected to reflect a 2% increase
-
Estimated new maximums:
-
~$543 for singles
-
~$712 for couples
-
~$188 per child
-
Confirmed GST Payment Dates for 2026
Mark these CRA GST payment dates on your calendar:
-
January 5, 2026
-
April 2, 2026
-
July 3, 2026 (new benefit year + increase)
-
October 5, 2026
📌 If your quarterly amount is under $50, CRA will issue a single lump-sum payment in July instead.
What If Your GST Payment Doesn’t Arrive?
If you don’t receive your payment on January 5:
-
Check CRA My Account
-
Confirm direct deposit and address details
-
Review any recent income or family status changes
Be cautious of CRA scam messages, especially texts or emails asking you to “confirm banking details.”
How ICC Immigration Can Help You Secure Your Future in Canada
Understanding CRA benefits, tax residency, and immigration status often go hand in hand. At ICC Immigration, we help clients build stable, lawful pathways to Permanent Residency in Canada—without the uncertainty of asylum claims.
Our Services Include:
-
Permanent Residency Applications through Express Entry, PNPs, and other federal pathways
-
Work Permits & Study Permits that support long-term settlement
-
Family Sponsorship Applications to reunite loved ones
-
Expert Immigration & Legal Guidance aligned with current IRCC policies
Instead of relying on uncertainty, choose a clear, compliant, and strategic immigration pathway. Whether you are already in Canada or planning your journey, ICC Immigration is here to guide you every step of the way.
📞 Call: 905-461-2424
🔗 Book a Consultation: https://iccimmigration.ca/book-consultation/
🚨 Breaking News Title
CRA Confirms First GST Payment of 2026: Millions to Receive Up to $533 on January 5
Subtitle
4 GST Payments, 2% Increase in July & New Rules Every Newcomer Must Know in 2026
📢 Social Media Caption
💰 NEW GST PAYMENT ALERT – JANUARY 5, 2026!
The CRA is issuing the first GST/HST credit of 2026, with eligible Canadians receiving up to $533 annually—and a 2% increase coming in July 📈
👨👩👧 Newcomers, students, workers & families—don’t miss out! Filing taxes and maintaining your status is key to unlocking CRA benefits and long-term stability in Canada 🇨🇦
Need help navigating your immigration journey the right way?
At ICC Immigration, we help you move from temporary status to Permanent Residency—safely, legally, and confidently.
📞 Call us: 905-461-2424
🔗 Book a consultation: https://iccimmigration.ca/book-consultation/
#GSTPayment2026 #CRABenefits #GSTJanuary5 #NewcomersToCanada #CanadaImmigration #PRPathway #ICCImmigration #CanadaLife #TaxBenefits #BreakingNews 🇨🇦✨