The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has confirmed details around the GST/HST credit payments for early 2026, drawing attention to a widely discussed figure of $698.
Many Canadians are expecting their first payment of the year in January, with some reporting that direct deposits may appear around January 14, 2026, depending on banking timelines.
Also Read
This article explains what the $698 GST/HST credit really means, who qualifies, when payments are officially issued, and why the deposit date can vary.
What Is The GST/HST Credit
The GST/HST credit is a tax-free quarterly benefit paid by the CRA to help low- and modest-income individuals and families offset the cost of the federal goods and services tax (GST) or harmonized sales tax (HST).
This benefit is not applied for separately. Eligibility and payment amounts are automatically calculated based on information from your annual income tax return and your family situation.
Understanding The $698 GST/HST Credit Amount
The figure $698 does not mean every eligible person will receive a single payment of $698 in January.
Instead, $698 represents the maximum annual GST/HST credit for individuals who are married or living common-law, before child supplements are added.
Maximum Annual Amounts For The 2025–2026 Benefit Year
- $533 – Single individual
- $698 – Married or common-law couple
- $184 – For each eligible child under age 19
These totals are usually paid in four equal quarterly installments, meaning the January payment is typically about one-quarter of the total yearly amount.
GST/HST Credit Payment Dates For 2026
CRA issues the GST/HST credit on a fixed quarterly schedule. For 2026, the payment dates are:
- January 5, 2026
- April 2, 2026
- July 3, 2026
- October 5, 2026
The January 5, 2026 payment is the first installment of the year. However, the exact day the money appears in your bank account can vary.
Why Some Canadians Expect Deposits Around January 14, 2026
Although CRA issues the payment on January 5, direct deposit timing depends on your bank. Factors that can delay posting include:
- Bank processing schedules
- Weekends or statutory holidays
- Internal clearing times at financial institutions
Because of this, some recipients may not see the funds immediately and could receive them several business days later, which is why January 14, 2026 is often mentioned as a likely arrival window for delayed deposits.
GST/HST Credit Key Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Benefit name | GST/HST Credit |
| Payment type | Tax-free quarterly benefit |
| First 2026 payment date | January 5, 2026 |
| Possible delayed deposit window | Up to mid-January (around January 14) |
| Maximum annual amount (single) | $533 |
| Maximum annual amount (couple) | $698 |
| Amount per eligible child | $184 |
| Based on | Previous year tax return and family income |
Who Is Eligible For The GST/HST Credit
You may qualify if you:
- Are 19 years or older, or have a spouse/common-law partner, or are a parent
- Are a Canadian resident for income tax purposes
- Filed your income tax return, even with zero income
- Have an income below CRA’s annual threshold for the benefit
January and April 2026 payments are calculated using information from your 2024 tax return.
The CRA’s confirmation of the $698 GST/HST credit has caused confusion, but it is important to understand that this amount represents the maximum yearly benefit, not a single January payment.
The official payment date is January 5, 2026, though many Canadians may see their direct deposit arrive later, including around January 14, 2026, depending on bank processing times.
Filing your taxes on time and keeping your personal information up to date remains the key to receiving payments without delays.
FAQs
Will everyone receive $698 in January 2026?
No. $698 is the maximum annual amount for eligible couples. The January payment is usually only one-quarter of that total.
What if I do not see my GST/HST credit on January 5, 2026?
Direct deposits can take additional business days to process. Many delayed payments appear within the following week, depending on your bank.
Do I need to apply separately for the GST/HST credit?
No. The CRA automatically calculates eligibility when you file your income tax return.