The Canadian government, through the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), provides Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) credits to eligible citizens.
These credits are tax relief measures aimed at helping Canadians with low to modest incomes by offsetting GST/HST expenses. In 2024, there has been significant interest in an “Additional GST Payment,” but it’s important to separate confirmed information from rumors.
Here’s a breakdown of eligibility, payment amounts, application processes, and key facts regarding the Canada Additional GST Payment in 2024.
Understanding Canada’s GST and HST Credit
The GST/HST credit is a quarterly payment designed to reduce the impact of these taxes on low- and middle-income Canadians. Issued by the CRA, this credit varies based on household income, family size, and marital status.
Payments are typically issued in January, April, July, and October, directly into recipients’ bank accounts, provided they meet eligibility criteria.
Eligibility for the Canada Additional GST Payment
To qualify for the GST/HST credit in 2024, applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria:
- Canadian Residency: Only Canadian citizens are eligible.
- Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least 19 years old.
- Residency Duration: A minimum of 10 years of Canadian residency is required.
- Income Threshold: The annual income for the applicant must be below $23,600 to qualify.
- Tax Filing: Applicants must have filed their 2023 taxes with the CRA by the tax deadline.
These criteria ensure that support goes to citizens who actively contribute through taxes and require assistance due to limited income.
How to Apply for the GST/HST Credit
The application process for the GST/HST credit is straightforward. Individuals do not need to complete a separate application form if they are already filing taxes, as eligibility is automatically assessed based on the tax return.
- File Your Taxes: Ensure your tax return is filed for the 2023 tax year with the CRA.
- Automatic Enrollment: If you qualify, the CRA will automatically calculate your eligibility and amount.
- Payment: If eligible, you will receive the quarterly GST payment without needing additional documentation.
If you have already filed your taxes, you do not need to apply separately for the GST/HST credit.
GST/HST Credit Amounts for 2024
The quarterly payment amount is determined by the size of the household and the annual income. Here is the estimated payment breakdown for 2024:
| Family Status | Quarterly GST Payment |
|---|---|
| Single (no children) | $519 |
| Married/Common-law (no children) | $680 |
| Additional per child (under 19) | $179 per child |
For instance, a single individual without children will receive $519 per quarter, while a couple with two children would receive $680, plus an additional $358 (for two children), totaling $1,038 quarterly.
Canada Additional GST Payment Schedule 2024
The CRA releases GST payments quarterly, typically on the fifth day of January, April, July, and October. For 2024, the schedule is as follows:
- January 5, 2024
- April 5, 2024
- July 5, 2024
- October 5, 2024
If a payment date falls on a weekend, the deposit will be made on the last business day before the weekend. For those who don’t receive the payment within 10 business days, contacting the CRA is recommended to resolve any issues.
Fact Check on the Additional GST Payment Rumors
There have been rumors suggesting an “Additional” or “Extra” GST payment in 2024, but there is no official announcement from the CRA or other government sources confirming any additional payments outside of the quarterly GST/HST credit schedule. Canadians are advised to rely on verified information directly from the CRA’s website or official communications and avoid acting on unverified claims.
Avoiding Scams and Misinformation
To protect against misinformation and potential scams, consider the following precautions:
- Verify Sources: Only trust information from official government websites, such as the CRA’s site or their verified social media accounts.
- Do Not Share Personal Information: The CRA will not ask for sensitive information, like your Social Insurance Number, through unsolicited emails or calls.
- Direct Deposits: For secure and prompt payments, sign up for direct deposit through the CRA if you haven’t done so already.
Following these steps can help ensure your security and protect your personal information from potential fraudsters.
By understanding the GST/HST credit process, eligibility requirements, and official payment dates, Canadians can better navigate available support without falling prey to misinformation. Accurate, verified information remains key to accessing these important benefits.
