The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) issued the first quarterly installment of the 2026 GST/HST credit on January 5, 2026. While many eligible Canadians have already seen these funds deposited into their bank accounts, some individuals are still reporting empty balances.
For a single individual, the maximum annual credit for the current benefit year is $533, making these quarterly payments a significant support for modest-income households.
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If you were expecting a payment but have not yet received it, there are specific steps and timelines you should follow before contacting federal authorities.
Understanding the January 2026 GST/HST Credit
The GST/HST credit is a tax-free quarterly payment designed to help individuals and families with low or modest incomes offset the sales tax they pay throughout the year. The current payment cycle, which runs from July 2025 to June 2026, is based on the information provided in your 2024 tax return.
For the 2025-2026 benefit year, the maximum annual amounts are:
- $533 for single individuals.
- $698 for married or common-law partners.
- $184 for each child under the age of 19.
These totals are divided into four equal payments. However, if your total annual credit was calculated to be less than $50 in July 2025, the CRA likely issued your entire entitlement as a lump-sum payment back in July, meaning you would not receive further installments in January or April.
Immediate Steps to Take if Your Payment Is Missing
The CRA advises a specific protocol for those whose accounts remain empty after a scheduled payment date.
The 10 Business Day Rule
Official CRA guidelines request that taxpayers wait 10 business days from the scheduled payment date before calling for an inquiry. This allows for processing delays between the government and various financial institutions. For the January 5, 2026 payment, this waiting period extends through the middle of the month.
Verify Your Tax Filing Status
To receive any part of the $533 credit, you must have filed your 2024 income tax and benefit return. Even if you had no income to report in 2024, the CRA requires a filed return to calculate your eligibility automatically. If you filed late, your January payment may be delayed until your return is fully assessed.
Check Your CRA My Account
Logging into the CRA My Account portal is the fastest way to verify the status of your benefits. Within the portal, you can:
- Confirm your current mailing address is correct.
- Verify that your direct deposit information is up to date.
- View your “Benefits and Credits” overview to see if a payment was issued or if it was applied to an existing debt.
Common Reasons for Stopped or Delayed Payments
Several factors can lead to a disruption in your GST/HST credit payments. If you have recently moved and did not update your address, the CRA may have paused your payments to prevent mail from reaching the wrong person.
Similarly, if your marital status changed recently and was not reported, your credit may be undergoing a recalculation.
Another frequent cause for a “missing” payment is an outstanding balance with the government. The CRA has the authority to apply your GST/HST credit toward certain government debts, such as unpaid taxes or overpayments from other benefit programs. If this occurs, you will typically receive a notice explaining the adjustment.
How to Contact the CRA for Benefit Inquiries
If ten business days have passed, your tax return is filed, and your account information is correct, you should contact the CRA directly. The dedicated line for benefit enquiries is 1-800-387-1193. When calling, ensure you have your Social Insurance Number (SIN) and a copy of your latest tax assessment available to verify your identity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did I not receive my GST payment on January 5, 2026?
You may not have received it if you haven’t filed your 2024 taxes, if your address is outdated, or if your total annual credit was under $50 and paid as a lump sum in July.
How long should I wait before calling the CRA about a missing payment?
You are required to wait 10 business days from the official payment date before the CRA will open a formal inquiry into your missing credit.
Do I need to apply for the $533 GST credit separately?
No separate application is needed; the CRA automatically determines your eligibility and payment amount based on your annual tax return filing.
Ben Lee is a content writer specializing in government schemes and public benefit programs, delivering clear and up-to-date information to help readers understand eligibility, payments, and policy changes.