In 2025, many Canadians saw a $680 deposit from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). For most, this came as a surprise. But it’s not a bonus—it’s part of a government benefit program.
This payment is linked to the GST/HST credit. It’s meant to help with the rising cost of goods and services.
What is the CRA $680 Payment?
The $680 payment is from the GST/HST credit. This is a tax-free benefit from the Canadian government.
It is given to low and middle-income people and families. The credit helps with the federal taxes you pay when you buy things.
You don’t need to apply. If you file your taxes and qualify, CRA will send the payment.
Who Can Get the $680?
To get the full $680, you must meet certain income and other rules.
Income Rules
Your payment is based on your 2023 income and family setup. This is for the benefit period from July 2024 to June 2025.
Here’s a table to show the maximum amounts:
| Household Type | Max Annual Credit |
| Single Individual | $519 |
| Married/Common-law | $680 |
| Each Child Under 19 | +$179 per child |
If your income is too high, you may get less or nothing. For example, a single person earning over $49,000 may not qualify.
Age and Residency
To get the credit, you must:
- Be at least 19 years old, or
- Have a spouse or live with your child
- Live in Canada for tax reasons
File Your Taxes
Even if you made no money in 2023, you must file your return. CRA uses your tax return to check if you qualify.
CRA $680 Payment Dates for 2025
CRA pays this benefit every three months. If the amount is small, they may give it in a lump sum.
Here are the 2025 payment dates:
| Month | Payment Date |
| January | January 3 |
| June | June 4 |
| July | July 4 |
| October | October 3 |
You can get the payment by direct deposit or cheque. Direct deposit is faster and safer.
How to Get Your CRA Payment
You don’t need to apply. But follow these steps to make sure you get the payment.
Step 1: File Your Taxes
Make sure you file your 2023 taxes. This decides how much you get from July 2024 to June 2025.
Step 2: Update CRA
Tell CRA if anything changes. This includes:
- Marital status
- Number of children
- Your address or banking info
Step 3: Use CRA My Account
With a CRA account, you can:
- See your payment dates
- View current and past credits
- Update your personal info
Real-Life Example
Let’s look at a simple example.
Samantha and John live in Ontario. They have one child. Their household income for 2023 was $32,000.
| Credit Type | Amount |
| Couple Credit | $680 |
| Child Credit | $179 |
| Total | $859 |
They now get $214.75 every three months. This helps them pay for groceries, bills, and school costs.
Why People Are Surprised by the $680
Many didn’t expect this money. Some thought it was a one-time bonus.
Here are a few reasons why it felt like a surprise:
- They filed taxes late and got backdated payments
- Their income or family status changed
- They turned 19 and became eligible
- CRA reassessed their file and gave retroactive pay
Always check your CRA My Account or your bank deposits to see why you got the money.
Tips to Get the Most Out of This Payment
- Use direct deposit to get your money faster
- Check your CRA account often
- Use the money for important needs
- Combine this credit with others like the Canada Child Benefit
Anyone with a low or moderate income can qualify—students, seniors, and single people too.
FAQs
What is the $680 payment?
It’s part of the GST/HST credit.
Do I need to apply?
No, just file your taxes.
When will I get the money?
Payments come in January, June, July, and October.
Can I get it if I made no money?
Yes, but you must file your taxes.
How do I check my status?
Use your CRA My Account.