Come this October, several federal tax benefits will be paid out to eligible residents. 

The Goods and services tax / harmonized sales tax (GST/HST) credit

The Goods and services tax / harmonized sales tax (GST/HST) credit is slated to be paid out to those who are eligible on October 5. According to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), those who are generally eligible for the GST/HST credit must be at least 19 years old; for those who are under the age of 19, one of the following criteria must be met during the same time period:

  • You have (or had) a spouse or common-law partner

  • You are (or were) a parent and live (or lived) with your child
  • A Canadian resident for income tax purposes during:
    • The month before the CRA makes a payment
    • At the beginning of the month, the CRA makes a payment

"In most cases, all you have to do to receive the GST/HST credit each year is file your taxes, even if you have no income to report," The CRA stated on its website.

GST/HST credit payments are based on one's adjusted family net income; as well as if you're single, the amount from line 23600 of your income tax return, or the amount that it would be if you completed one. They are also based on whether if you have a spouse or common-law partner: your net income is combined with your family's net income, as well as the number of children under 19 years old that you have registered for the Canada child benefit and the GST/HST credit.

For the 2022 base year (payment period from July 2023 to June 2024), you could get up to:

  • $496 if you are single
  • $650 if you are married or have a common-law partner
  • $171 for each child under the age of 19

Image removed.

Goods and services tax/harmonized sales tax (GST/HST) credit payment amounts base year 2022. (Graphic credit to Canada Revenue Agency)

However, the CRA is reminding residents that if their adjusted family net income is equal to or exceeds a certain amount, they will not be entitled to a GST/HST credit payment.


Family income level where the recipient will no longer receive the GST/HST credit. (Graphic credit to Canada Revenue Agency)

The October GST/HST credit in October is the last payment of 2023. The CRA does ask residents to wait 10 working days from the payment date before contacting them. 

The Climate Action Incentive Payment

Several days later, on October 13, the Climate Action Incentive Payment will also be paid out to residents. The CAIP is a tax-free amount paid to help individuals and families offset the cost of federal pollution pricing. It is available to residents of Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario. You are eligible for this credit if you are a resident of Canada for income tax purposes at the beginning of the month in which the CRA makes a payment.

"You don’t need to apply to receive the payment for the CAIP. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will determine your eligibility when you file your income tax and benefit return and will send you payments if you’re entitled to them," The CRA stated.

The Alberta program provides an annual credit of:

  • $772 for an individual
  • $386 for a spouse or common-law partner
  • $193 per child under 19
  • $386 for the first child in a single-parent family

The CAIP includes a rural supplement of 10 per cent of the base amount for residents of small and rural communities. The CRA does not charge or give interest on any CAIP overpayments or underpayments.

The October CAIP will be the last payment for 2023.

The Advanced Canada Workers Benefit (ACWB)

The Advanced Canada Workers Benefit (ACWB) is a relatively new refundable tax credit that was introduced by the Federal government in the summer. The Canada Workers Benefit (CWB) was initiated in order to help individuals and families who are working and earning a low income. 

The two remaining payments of 2023 will be issued on October 12, 2023, and January 12, 2024.

You are eligible for the basic amount of the CWB if you meet all the following conditions:

  • Earn working income and your net income is below the net income level set for your province or territory of residence
  • Are a resident of Canada throughout the year
  • Are 19 years of age or older on December 31, or you live with your spouse or common-law partner or your child
  • For CWB purposes, an eligible dependant has to meet all of the following conditions:
    • Is your or your spouse's or common-law partner's child
    • Is under 19 years of age and lives with you on December 31
    • Is not eligible for the CWB
  • For CWB purposes, an eligible spouse is someone who meets all the following conditions:
    • Lives with you as your spouse or common-law partner on December 31
    • Is a resident of Canada throughout the year
  • You may be eligible for the disability supplement of the CWB if you meet all of the following conditions:

The maximum basic amount for the CWB is $1,428 for single individuals.

"The amount is gradually reduced if your adjusted net income is more than $23,495. No basic amount is paid if your adjusted net income is more than $33,015."

Families can receive up to $2,461.

"The amount is gradually reduced if your adjusted family net income is more than $26,805. No basic amount is paid if your adjusted family net income is more than $43,212."

The maximum basic CWB amount will vary for residents of Quebec, Nunavut and Alberta.

The maximum amount for the disability supplement is $737 for single individuals.

"The CWB disability supplement is gradually reduced if your adjusted net income is more than $33,018. No disability supplement is paid if your adjusted net income is more than $37,932."

Families will receive $737. However, The CWB disability supplement is gradually reduced if your adjusted family net income is more than $43,210.

No disability supplement is paid if one spouse is eligible for the disability tax credit and your adjusted family net income is more than $48,124, or if both spouses are eligible for the disability tax credit and your adjusted family net income is more than $53,037. 

When the issuance date for the payments falls on a Saturday, a Sunday, or a federal statutory holiday, the payment will be made on the last business day prior to the issuance date.

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