How to get the GST/HST tax credit cheque in Ontario and how much it is

Many people are eligible for the GST/HST tax credit and may not even know it.

With rising costs for food, transportation and housing, every bit of extra money helps these days.

For those who are eligible, there are several tax credit payments from the Canadian government including the GST/HST (goods and services tax/harmonized sales tax) credit.

The GST/HST credit is a tax-free quarterly payment that helps individuals and families with low and modest incomes offset the GST or HST that they pay, according to the federal government. It may also include payments from provincial and territorial programs.

To be eligible for the tax credit, people must at least 19 years old and a Canadian resident. Those who are under 19 years old and live with a spouse or common law partner or who are a parent may be eligible.

In general, residents must make less than $50,000 to be eligible or less than $65,000 if you have children.

The amount people receive depends on income and the number of dependants.

In the payment period from July 2023 to June 2024, you could get up to $496 if you are single and up to $650 if you are married or have a common-law partner, plus $171 for each child under the age of 19.

If you are single, have no children and make $50,000 or less, the credit is $112.75 a year. The payment increases with each child and is adjusted for those with a spouse or common law partner.

The exact amount of the credit is calculated when you file your income tax but a chart can be found here. All residents are automatically considered for the GST/HST credit when they file the taxes in the spring.

The next cheque is a few months away — the Canada Revenue Agency usually sends the GST/HST credit payments on the fifth day of July, October, January and April.

For more information on the GST/HST credit, see the Canadian Revenue Agency website here.