Amid ongoing inflation, many Canadians wonder if they’ll receive a $698 lump-sum GST/HST payment in August 2025. Let’s clarify what’s factual, what’s speculative, and what the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) actually has planned.
What Is the GST/HST Credit?
The GST/HST Credit is a tax-free quarterly benefit designed to help low- and modest-income Canadians offset the sales tax on essential goods and services. It’s automatically administered by the CRA based on your tax return.
Is the $698 Payment True?
No—a $698 one-time payment in August 2025 is not real. This figure is actually the maximum annual credit for a married or common-law couple (based on 2024 tax filings).
Instead, the credit is paid out in four quarterly installments.
How Much Can You Receive in 2025?
| Household Type | Annual Maximum Credit | Approx. Quarterly Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Single Adult | $533 | ~$133 |
| Married/Couple | $698 | ~$174 |
| Each Child (<19) | $184 | ~$46 |
These amounts are determined using your 2024 tax return data.
Payment Schedule for 2025
The GST/HST credit is paid on the following dates:
- January 3, 2025
- April 4, 2025
- July 4, 2025
- October 3, 2025
So, no official payment is scheduled for August—any funds seen then would likely be retroactive adjustments from missed filings or corrections.
Who Is Eligible for the Credit?
To qualify for GST/HST Credit, you must:
- Be a Canadian resident for tax purposes
- Be 19 or older, or have a spouse or child
- Meet income thresholds:
- Singles: net income less than ~$52,255
- Couples with four children: net income under ~$69,015
You don’t need to apply—filing your annual tax return automatically enters you into eligibility.
What If I’m New to Canada?
Newcomers must submit specific forms:
- Form RC151 for individuals
- Form RC66 if you have children
Ensure you file your first Canadian tax return to start receiving benefits.
Why Misinformation Spreads
Social media often misinterprets the $698 maximum annual amount as a single August bonus. However, the legal schedule is firm—payments are quarterly, not lump sums in random months.
Despite social media buzz, there’s no $698 one-time payment in August 2025. The GST/HST credit remains a steady, tax-free support paid quarterly to qualifying Canadians. To ensure you get it: file your 2024 tax return, update CRA info via My Account, and watch for the next payment on October 3, 2025.
FAQs
Will I get $698 in August 2025?
No. The $698 figure represents the annual maximum for couples—payments are divided into four quarterly installments.
How often is the GST/HST Credit paid?
You’ll receive it quarterly: in January, April, July, and October.
Do I need to apply separately to get the credit?
No. You’re automatically considered when you file your tax return. Newcomers may need to submit additional forms.