Many Canadians have recently received a direct deposit of $179 from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). This payment is not random — it is a GST/HST credit issued as part of the federal government’s tax-free quarterly payments to help lower-income individuals and families manage the burden of consumption taxes.
If you’re wondering why this amount landed in your account, this article will explain the CRA tax refund process and how the GST HST benefit works in 2025.
Who Qualifies for the $179 GST/HST Credit?
The CRA determines GST/HST credit eligibility based on your previous year’s income tax return. For the May 2025 payment, the CRA uses your 2023 tax filing. You may receive the $179 credit if you meet these conditions:
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You’re at least 19 years old
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You are a Canadian resident for tax purposes
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Your adjusted family net income is below the federal threshold
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You filed your 2023 tax return on time
Both individuals and families can qualify. For families with children, the credit is typically higher and spread out over four annual payments.
Breakdown of the $179 GST/HST Credit
The $179 you received likely corresponds to one of the quarterly disbursements under the GST/HST benefit. The exact amount depends on your family size and income:
| Household Type | Annual GST/HST Credit | May 2025 Installment |
|---|---|---|
| Single adult | Up to $496 | $124 |
| Married or common-law | Up to $650 | $162.50 |
| Each child under 19 | Up to $171 per child | Varies |
If you received $179, it’s probably your portion based on one adult and one child, or a higher-income single recipient eligible for a reduced amount.
The CRA tax refund process is automated—if you qualify, you receive it without having to apply.
How Are GST/HST Credit Amounts Calculated?
The CRA uses your adjusted family net income to calculate the benefit. The lower your income, the higher your benefit. As your income increases, the credit phases out gradually. Here’s how it’s calculated:
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Your family income is compared against a threshold (approx. $42,000–$52,000 for singles or couples)
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Credits are reduced by 5% of the income over that threshold
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The number of dependents (children under 19) affects your total credit
This makes the GST HST benefit one of the most targeted tax-free supports for low- and modest-income Canadians.
CRA Payment Dates for 2025
The GST/HST credit is issued four times a year. In 2025, the scheduled CRA dates are:
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May 5, 2025
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July 4, 2025
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October 3, 2025
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January 6, 2026
If you received $179 in May, you can expect similar payments in upcoming quarters, depending on your household composition and CRA reassessments.
What to Do If You Didn’t Receive It?
If you believe you qualify but didn’t receive the payment:
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Ensure your 2023 tax return has been filed and assessed
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Check your My CRA Account for notices
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Call CRA’s benefits enquiry line
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Confirm your banking details are accurate
Sometimes, the CRA may delay or adjust payments if there are errors in your tax filing or if income data is incomplete.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did I get a $179 deposit from CRA?
This is most likely your GST/HST credit, a quarterly benefit issued by the CRA to support lower-income Canadians with the cost of sales taxes.
Do I need to apply for the GST/HST credit?
No. If you file your taxes on time and qualify, the CRA tax refund is processed automatically. There’s no separate application.
Will I get the same amount every quarter?
Not always. Your amount may vary based on income, dependents, and CRA recalculations. $179 is a typical credit amount, not fixed for everyone.
Can I receive the GST/HST credit if I didn’t work?
Yes. Even if you had no income, you may still qualify as long as you file a return. It’s based on household net income, not just employment.
What if I received less than $179?
Amounts vary by eligibility. You might have a higher income, fewer dependents, or have only partial entitlement. Check your CRA notice for a breakdown.
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Aanchal is a passionate writer with a keen interest in storytelling, content creation, and creative expression. She enjoys exploring diverse topics and crafting engaging narratives that captivate readers.