How the 2026 GST/HST Credit Schedule Affects Your Bank Account This Month

As Canadians manage their household budgets in February 2026, many are looking for the next scheduled deposit from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

The GST/HST credit serves as a vital financial cushion for low- and modest-income individuals and families, helping to offset the sales tax paid on everyday goods and services.

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However, understanding the timing of these payments is essential for accurate financial planning. The 2026 schedule follows a specific quarterly cycle that determines exactly when these funds reach your bank account.

Official GST/HST Credit Payment Dates for 2026

The CRA distributes the GST/HST credit four times per year. For the 2026 calendar year, the official payment dates are:

• January 5, 2026 (Already issued)
• April 2, 2026
• July 3, 2026
• October 5, 2026

If you are expecting a GST/HST credit deposit specifically in February 2026, it is important to note that no GST/HST credit payment is scheduled for this month. The first quarterly payment of the year was distributed in early January, and the subsequent payment will not occur until the first week of April.

Why Your Bank Account May See Other CRA Deposits This Month

While the GST/HST credit is not being issued this month, your bank account may still be affected by other federal and provincial benefits administered by the CRA. Many Canadians receive multiple types of assistance, and these often fall on different dates than the quarterly GST/HST cycle.

According to the official CRA benefit payment schedule, several other key payments are expected in February 2026:

1. Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB): Scheduled for February 10, 2026. This includes the Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit, the Northern Ontario Energy Credit, and the Ontario Sales Tax Credit.
2. Canada Disability Benefit: Scheduled for February 19, 2026.
3. Canada Child Benefit (CCB): Scheduled for February 20, 2026. This is a monthly payment for eligible families with children under 18.
4. Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Old Age Security (OAS): Scheduled for February 25, 2026.

How Eligibility and Amounts Are Determined

The payments currently being issued in early 2026 are based on your 2024 tax return. The CRA uses the “base year” method to calculate entitlements. For the period from July 2025 to June 2026, the maximum annual amounts remain as follows:

• $533 for single individuals.
• $698 for married or common-law partners.
• $184 for each child under the age of 19.

These annual amounts are divided into four equal quarterly payments. For example, a single individual eligible for the maximum amount would have received $133.25 in January and can expect the same in April.

Looking Ahead: Proposed Increases and the July Reset

Starting in July 2026, the GST/HST credit will undergo its annual recalculation based on your 2025 tax return (filed in early 2026). Recent government proposals, including the transition to the “Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit,” suggest a potential 25% increase in these credits to help with rising food costs. While this measure is slated to take effect in July 2026, a one-time top-up has been proposed for spring 2026, with a deadline of June.

To ensure your payments are not delayed, always keep your personal information, such as your address and direct deposit details, updated through the CRA My Account portal.

Frequently Asked Questions