Larger GST cheque being issued to eligible Canadians this week

Eligible Canadians are receiving more money from the government, with a larger GST payment scheduled to be issued this week.

The Goods and Services Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax (GST/HST) credit is a quarterly tax-free payment issued by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). The previous GST payment was issued on April 4, and the next payment will be deposited into Canadians' accounts on Friday, July 4. However, the upcoming payment will include a 2.7 per cent increase.

According to the government, the payment helps individuals and families with low and modest incomes offset the GST or HST that they pay.

Are you eligible?

You're generally considered eligible for the GST/HST credit payment if you're at least 19 years old and a Canadian resident for tax purposes a month before the CRA makes the payment and at the beginning of the month.

Canadians who are under 19 years old must meet at least one of the following criteria during the same period:

• You have (or had) a spouse or common-law partner
• You are (or were) a parent and live (or lived) with your child

According to the government, parents in a shared custody situation may be eligible for half of the credit for that child.

Whether or not you're eligible depends on your family's net income.

How much can you receive?

The amount you receive depends on your adjusted net income. With increased payments set to go out this Friday, eligible Canadians could receive up to:

• $533 if you are a single individual
• $533 if you are married or have a common-law partner
• $184 for each child under the age of 19

In most cases, you don't need to apply for the credit as you’re automatically considered for it when you file your taxes.

If you don't receive your GST/HST credit payment on Friday, wait 10 working days before contacting the CRA. The next quarterly payment is scheduled to be issued on October 3.

In 2022, Ottawa doubled the GST credit for six months during the height of inflation.