The $533 GST/HST Credit Refund for January 2026 has been officially confirmed by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), providing a tax-free quarterly payment to eligible individuals and families. This benefit offers vital financial relief at the start of the new year, helping Canadians manage sales tax-related costs on basic goods and services.
What Is the GST/HST Credit?
The Goods and Services Tax / Harmonized Sales Tax (GST/HST) Credit is a federal benefit issued to low- and modest-income Canadians. It helps offset some of the sales tax paid on daily purchases. The payment is non-taxable, issued every quarter—in January, April, July, and October.
The benefit is administered automatically by the CRA, and recipients do not need to apply separately. Once qualified, payments are made via direct deposit or cheque, depending on your account settings.
January 2026 GST/HST Credit: Key Payment Details
| Benefit Type | GST/HST Tax Credit |
|---|---|
| Administered By | Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) |
| Payment Frequency | Quarterly (Jan, Apr, Jul, Oct) |
| Next Payment Date | 5 January 2026 |
| Maximum Amounts | $533 (single), $698 (couples), $184 per child |
| Eligibility Basis | Income reported on 2024 tax return |
| Payment Method | Direct deposit or mailed cheque |
| Official Portal | canada.ca |
The CRA has officially scheduled the January 2026 installment for 5 January 2026, marking the first quarterly payment of the year.
Maximum GST/HST Credit Amounts for January 2026
The payment amount depends on your income, marital status, and number of children under 19. Here are the maximum amounts available:
- Single individuals: Up to $533
- Married/common-law couples: Up to $698
- Per eligible child: $184 (under the age of 19)
Note: These are maximum amounts. Actual payments may be lower based on your adjusted family net income (AFNI) from the 2024 tax return.
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Who Is Eligible for the GST/HST Credit in January 2026?
To qualify for the January 2026 GST/HST Credit, individuals must meet the following criteria:
- Be a Canadian resident for tax purposes at the time of payment.
- Be at least 19 years of age.
- If under 19, you must either:
- Have a spouse or common-law partner, or
- Be a parent living with your child.
- Have filed your 2024 tax return, even if you had no income.
Eligibility is determined automatically by CRA based on the tax return you submitted for the previous year (2024).
Quarterly GST/HST Credit Payment Schedule for 2026
The GST/HST Credit follows a fixed quarterly schedule, with updates based on your latest income:
| Payment Month | Income Year Used |
|---|---|
| January 2026 | Based on 2024 tax return |
| April 2026 | Based on 2024 tax return |
| July 2026 | Based on 2025 tax return |
| October 2026 | Based on 2025 tax return |
Each payment is typically released on the 5th day of the respective month. For January, this means payments will be deposited or mailed on 5 January 2026.
Confirmed: $533 Refund for Single Individuals
There has been speculation around the $533 GST/HST Credit, but the CRA has now officially confirmed this figure for eligible single Canadians. For those with children or spouses, the total amount can be higher.
While the January and April 2026 payments are tied to your 2024 income, the July and October 2026 payments will reflect your 2025 income. CRA is expected to update those figures in mid-2026.
How Are Payments Issued?
Payments are sent either by:
- Direct Deposit – Faster and more secure, typically arrives on the same day
- Paper Cheque – May take up to 10 business days to arrive, depending on postal delays
To avoid delays, make sure your banking and address details are updated in CRA My Account
How to Update Your CRA Details and Avoid Payment Issues
To ensure your GST/HST credit arrives on time:
- Log in to CRA My Account at canada.ca
- Navigate to Personal Details
- Check or update your:
- Bank account for direct deposit
- Mailing address
- Marital status
- Dependent information
Tip: Filing your tax return on time and ensuring up-to-date contact information can prevent payment delays or disqualification.
Why the GST/HST Credit Matters for Canadians
The GST/HST Credit plays a vital role in helping Canadians manage the cumulative impact of sales taxes on daily necessities. While modest in size, this quarterly benefit softens the financial burden on lower-income households.
With inflation and living costs still high in many regions, the January 2026 installment provides timely support at the start of the year—especially important after the high-spending holiday season.
