As Canadians get ready for a deposit in February 2026, a new round of GST/HST relief is getting a lot of attention across the country. The payment is on its way, and for many families, this help could make a big difference during a time when the economy is still struggling. The upcoming credit, which could be worth up to $533 for eligible people, is being promoted as one of the most important federal supports for the new year.
The Canada Revenue Agency runs the GST/HST credit system, which has been around for a long time. This program has been a key part of Canada’s income support system for years. It gives low- and moderate-income individuals and families tax-free payments every three months.
As February gets closer, Canadians are asking three main questions: Who is eligible? How much will be put in? So when will the money actually get here?
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This in-depth guide explains everything you need to know about the $533 GST/HST relief payment, such as who can get it, how much they can make, when they can deposit it, and how to make sure you get it on time.
What is the credit for GST/HST?
The GST/HST credit is a tax-free payment made every three months to help lower-income people and families pay for the Goods and Services Tax or Harmonised Sales Tax. It’s not a loan. There is no need to pay it back. It is automatically figured out based on your tax return for the year.
The GST/HST Credit is the official name for the benefit. It comes out four times a year, usually in January, April, July, and October.
To keep up with inflation and rising costs of living, payments are sometimes increased or changed. The amount of relief for February 2026 is based on new calculations for the new benefit year.
The main point for people who are eligible is clear: payment is on the way, and it will be automatically deposited if you qualify.
Why the Payment in February 2026 Is Getting Attention
People are paying attention to the February 2026 GST/HST relief deposit because:
- People who qualify can get up to $533 in payments, according to reports.
- Inflation is still affecting family budgets across the country.
- A lot of Canadians depend on quarterly credits to pay for basic needs.
- The deposit comes early in the year, when bills from the holidays often pile up.
This payment might help families keep their finances stable during the winter when they have to pay for rent, groceries, utilities, and transportation.
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Confirmed Deposit Timing: When Will the Money Come?
The GST/HST credit usually comes in the same amount every three months. The deposit is expected to follow the adjusted calendar for February 2026, which is in line with the federal benefit processing timelines.
If you have direct deposit, your money will go straight into your registered bank account on the day it is due. If you get paid by cheque, it may take a few extra business days for the package to arrive.
Direct deposit is still the quickest and safest way.
Once more, payment is coming in automatically. If your tax returns are up to date, you don’t need to fill out a separate application form.
How the $533 is Calculated: Maximum Payment Amount
The most you can get in GST/HST credits depends on your:
- Your marital status
- How many kids you have who are under 19 years old and how much money you made last year after taxes
The new benefit calculations show that the maximum annual credit amount for a single person could be around $533.
For couples and families with kids, the total amounts can be higher, depending on how many people live in the house and how much money they make.
Under the current benefit system, the $533 amount is the most a single adult who meets the requirements can get. The actual amounts of payments vary.
Explaining the Requirements for Eligibility
You must meet a number of requirements in order to get the GST/HST relief payment in February 2026.
Age Requirement
You have to be at least 19 years old. People under 19 may be able to get help if they:
- Have a spouse or partner who lives with them, or a parent who lives with their child
Requirement for Residency
You have to live in Canada for tax purposes for the month before and the month of the payment.
Income Limit
You have to meet certain income requirements to be eligible. Your adjusted family net income from the last tax year will tell you if you qualify and how much you can get.
If you make less money, you can get more credit. When income goes above a certain level, the credit gradually goes down until it is no longer available.
Need to File Taxes
You have to file a tax return to get the GST/HST credit, even if you didn’t make any money. Using your tax information, the CRA automatically figures out if you are eligible.
If you haven’t filed your most recent return, your payment might be late or not sent at all.
How Your Pay Depends on Your Income
The GST/HST credit is set up to help families with low incomes.
For instance:
- People who are single and have a low income get almost the most money.
- For tax purposes, married or common-law couples add up their incomes.
- Families with kids get more money for each child.
The payment slowly goes down as the family’s income goes above the benefit level.
It is very important that your tax return accurately shows your income and family situation because the payment in February 2026 is based on the most recent completed tax year.
Family Status and How Much You Pay
Your marital status is a big factor in deciding if you qualify and how much you get.
People Who Are Single
A single adult with low income who meets the requirements may get up to the maximum base amount, which is thought to be $533 a year at the new rates.
Couples
Couples who are married or living together get a base amount that is the same for both. The income limits for couples are different from those for single people.
Families with kids
Parents get extra money for each child under 19. These extra payments for children raise the total amount paid each quarter.
The exact amounts may change slightly each benefit year because the amounts are adjusted for inflation every year.
What if things changed for you?
If you went through a change in your life, like
- Getting married or breaking up
- Having a baby
- Change in who has custody
- Address change
You need to give the CRA your new information as soon as you can.
If you don’t update your status, you could get the wrong payments, pay too much, or have to wait.
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Direct Deposit vs. Sending a Check
With direct deposit, the money will be available on the official payment date. People who get checks may have to wait longer for them to arrive in the mail.
You can check your CRA account to see if you are signed up for direct deposit if you are not sure.
Now is the time to double-check your banking information since February is coming up.
You will get paid, but only if your records are correct.
How This Help Will Help Canadians in 2026
The pressures on the economy haven’t completely gone away. Household budgets are still being affected by rising costs of housing, food, and energy.
The GST/HST credit is one of the ways the federal government tries to lessen the tax burden on low-income families.
$533 might not be enough to solve all of your money problems, but it can help with:
- Bills for groceries
- Paying for utilities
- Costs of prescriptions
- Costs of transportation
- Reducing debt
For families who get child benefits, the combined quarterly payment may be even more important.
Frequently Asked Questions About the GST/HST Payment Due in February 2026
Do I have to apply?
You don’t need to fill out a separate application. Filing your income tax return will automatically start a review of your eligibility.
Is the payment subject to tax?
No, the GST/HST credit is not taxable.
Will this have an effect on other benefits?
The GST/HST credit does not lower the Canada Child Benefit or most other federal payments.
What if I didn’t get my money?
You can start a trace with the CRA if your payment doesn’t arrive within 10 business days of the date it was supposed to.
Avoiding Delays and Stopping Payments
To make sure your payment in February 2026 gets there on time:
- Send in your most recent tax return.
- Make sure that your marital status is correct.
- If you moved, make sure to change your address.
- Sign up for direct deposit.
- Check your CRA online account for messages.
These easy steps lower the chance of interruption.
Seeing the Bigger Picture
The GST/HST credit is one part of Canada’s bigger system for fair taxes. Instead of making payments to everyone, the system focuses on households that are most affected by consumption taxes.
The government keeps lower-income Canadians’ buying power by raising payments every year to keep up with inflation.
The February 2026 relief is based on new thresholds and calculations that are meant to keep up with the economy.
What This Means for You
If your income is in the right range, you’ll get your payment in February 2026.
The new rate structure could mean that single adults will get up to $533 a year. Depending on how many people live in the house, families may get more money.
The main things are easy:
- Pay your taxes.
- Make sure your personal information is up to date.
- Keep an eye on your benefit statements.
- Check to see if you are signed up for direct deposit.
