CRA Releases Full December Payment Date – The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has officially released the complete December payment schedule for the $496 GST/HST Credit, giving millions of eligible Canadians clarity ahead of the final 2025 installment. This update is particularly important for low- and middle-income households who rely on federal support to manage essential expenses during the winter season. With the December payment now confirmed, recipients can prepare their banking details, check eligibility status, and understand the exact claim steps required. This article explains the full deposit date, updated rules, and essential information for Canadian residents.
Updated GST/HST Credit Schedule for Canadian Residents
The December GST/HST Credit update released by the CRA provides a clearer understanding of when Canadian residents will receive the payment, especially the maximum $496 amount for qualified individuals. This payment is designed to support low-income families, seniors, and individuals who meet specific tax-based eligibility criteria. By confirming the December schedule in advance, the CRA ensures people can prepare for holiday expenses and end-of-year financial obligations. Recipients are encouraged to keep their My CRA Account updated to avoid delays and ensure their banking details are correct. The December payout is part of the quarterly GST/HST cycle that continues into 2026.
CRA GST/HST December Deposit Date for Canadians
According to the CRA’s latest announcement, the official December deposit for the GST/HST Credit will follow the updated schedule released this month. Canadians who qualify based on their 2024 tax return will automatically receive the payment without needing to reapply. The December installment is especially crucial for families with children and seniors managing winter expenses. CRA systems issue payments through direct deposit first, which means eligible individuals with active banking details may see funds earlier than those receiving mailed cheques. The GST/HST Credit aims to help offset consumption taxes and provide meaningful relief at the end of the year.
| Category | December 2025 Payment |
|---|---|
| Single Individuals | Up to $496 annually |
| Married or Common-Law Couples | Up to $650 combined |
| Per Child Benefit | Additional $171 per child |
| Payment Method | Direct deposit or mailed cheque |
| Official Deposit Date | December 5, 2025 |
New GST/HST Credit Claim Steps for People Across Canada
To ensure timely receipt of the December GST/HST Credit, individuals across Canada must follow the CRA’s updated claim and verification steps. These include checking tax filings for accuracy, ensuring the 2024 return was submitted on time, and confirming that family income levels fall within the qualifying range. Newcomers to Canada, students, and low-income workers must also complete the required CRA forms to activate credit eligibility. Updating address details, banking information, and marital status is essential to prevent processing delays. Once eligibility is confirmed, payments are automatically delivered as part of the quarterly cycle without any further action needed from the recipient.
GST/HST Benefit Access Requirements for Canadian Families
Canadian families seeking the GST/HST Credit should understand the access requirements outlined by the CRA, especially for the December installment. These include having a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN), filing taxes annually regardless of income, and meeting residency requirements throughout the payment period. Families must also ensure children are registered for related federal programs, as this affects total credit amounts. Understanding these requirements helps families maximize their benefits and avoid interruptions in the quarterly GST/HST payments. The December credit provides essential support for households during the costly winter months.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the official December 2025 GST/HST Credit payment date?
The CRA has confirmed the official December payment date as December 5, 2025.
2. Do I need to reapply to receive the December GST/HST Credit?
No, eligible Canadians are paid automatically based on their most recent tax return.
3. How much can a single person receive from the GST/HST Credit?
A single eligible Canadian can receive up to $496 annually depending on income.
4. Does the GST/HST Credit include additional support for children?
Yes, eligible families receive an extra amount for each child under the GST/HST rules.
