The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced a $680 payment under the Goods and Services Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax (GST/HST) Credit program for 2025.
This financial assistance aims to support low- and moderate-income individuals and families facing the challenges of rising living costs.
Here’s what you need to know about eligibility, amounts, and how to access this benefit.
What is the $680 CRA Payment?
The $680 CRA payment is part of the GST/HST Credit program, which provides quarterly payments to help eligible Canadians offset the cost of goods and services tax.
The program is designed for individuals and families with lower incomes to ease financial burdens.
Who is Eligible?
To qualify for the $680 CRA payment, you must meet the following criteria:
- Residency: You must be a Canadian resident, including citizens, permanent residents, or those with legal status in Canada for at least 18 months.
- Income Level: Your Adjusted Family Net Income (AFNI) determines eligibility. Low- and moderate-income earners qualify for the full benefit.
- Age and Family Status:
- Individuals must be at least 19 years old.
- Families with children under 19 receive additional payments per child.
How Much Will You Receive?
The amount you receive depends on your income, family size, and number of dependents.
| Recipient Type | Annual Amount |
|---|---|
| Single Individual | Up to $519 |
| Married/Partnered Couple | Up to $680 |
| Per Child (under 19) | $179 per child |
Example Scenarios:
- Single Person: A single individual earning $25,000 annually can receive up to $519.
- Family of Four: A couple with two children earning $50,000 annually may receive $1,038 ($680 + $179 × 2).
Payment Dates
The $680 CRA payment is issued quarterly on these dates:
- January 3, 2025
- April 2025
- July 2025
- October 2025
Payments are automatically deposited into your account or mailed as a cheque.
How to Apply
No separate application is required if you file your taxes. Follow these steps to ensure you’re eligible:
- File Your Tax Return: Submit your annual tax return even if you have no taxable income. This ensures the CRA has your financial details to assess eligibility.
- Set Up CRA My Account: Create an account to track payments, update personal information, and access other CRA services.
- Provide Accurate Information: Ensure your address, banking details, and family information are current to avoid delays.
- Monitor Updates: Check the CRA website for payment schedules and additional information.
Other CRA Benefits You May Qualify For
Beyond the $680 CRA payment, additional benefits are available:
Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
- Maximum Amount: Up to $7,786 per child under 6, and $6,570 for children aged 6–17.
- Eligibility: Families with lower incomes receive higher benefits.
Climate Action Incentive (CAI)
- Purpose: Offsets the cost of carbon pricing.
- Eligibility: Residents of provinces under the federal carbon pricing system qualify for payments, varying by province.
Why Filing Taxes is Crucial
Filing your taxes is the key to unlocking the $680 CRA payment and other benefits. It ensures your eligibility for:
- GST/HST Credit
- Canada Child Benefit
- Climate Action Incentive
Even if you have no taxable income, filing taxes keeps you in the system for automatic payments.
Practical Example
Here’s how the payment can impact households:
| Scenario | Annual Income | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Single individual (no kids) | $25,000 | $519 |
| Couple with 2 kids | $50,000 | $1,038 ($680 + $358) |
These examples show how the payment scales based on income and family size, offering substantial relief to families.
