In 2025, Canadian taxpayers have been buzzing about a proposed one-time $698 CRA payment slated for September 2025. While no official federal announcement confirms a standalone $698 benefit, it may be tied to the GST/HST credit system, which shows that the maximum annual credit for couples or common-law partners is $698 under the 2024 base year.
This article explores how this $698 figure originates from existing tax credits, the possibility of a one-time payment, eligibility rules, and what Canadians should expect.
Why Some Canadians Are Missing Their GST/HST Credit in 2025 & How to Avoid It
Origins of the $698 Figure: GST/HST Credit Maximum
The $698 amount is already set in CRA documentation as the maximum annual GST/HST credit for a married or common-law couple under the 2024 tax base year.
- Single individuals (no spouse/partner): maximum $533 annually in GST/HST credit.
- Married or common-law couples: maximum $698.
- Additionally, $184 per child under age 19 can be added for eligible families.
Because of this, many online sources misinterpret or present $698 as though it is a specific one-time CRA lump sum, which is inaccurate based on current CRA policy.
Is There a Confirmed One-Time $698 Payment in September 2025?
As of now:
- No official federal government release confirms a new, special $698 one-time CRA payment for September 2025.
- The $698 number is rooted in the standard GST/HST credit schedule and maximum amounts.
- Some speculative or unofficial sites claim such a payment, but these should be treated with caution unless corroborated by reliable government sources.
In short: the $698 figure is real—but as a maximum annual GST/HST credit, not a guaranteed one-time benefit.
How the GST/HST Credit Works: Eligibility & Amounts
Even if a standalone payment is unlikely, knowing how the GST/HST credit functions is important because the $698 stems from this program.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the GST/HST credit:
- Be a resident of Canada for tax purposes.
- Be at least 19 years old, or have a spouse/child if under 19.
- File your 2024 income tax return—even with little or no income.
- Meet income thresholds (adjusted family net income) used by the CRA to phase out the credit as income rises.
Amounts
For the 2025–26 payment period (based on 2024 income):
- Single individuals can receive up to $533 per year.
- Married / common-law couples can receive up to $698 per year.
- Additional per child: up to $184 for each child under 19.
These amounts are then divided into four quarterly payments (July, October, January, April) unless the total is very small, in which case CRA may issue a lump sum.
When GST/HST Credit Payments Are Made
If you are eligible for the GST/HST credit:
- Payments are made quarterly: July, October, January, April.
- The first payment for the 2025–26 cycle is in July 2025.
- If your calculated quarterly amount is less than $50, the CRA may combine payments into a single lump sum in July.
Thus, no typical GST/HST credit payment is scheduled in September.
What Canadians Should Do: Best Practices & Precautions
If you see claims promising a $698 one-time CRA deposit in September 2025, here’s what to keep in mind:
- Verify through CRA sources: Always check official CRA channels or your CRA My Account for announcements.
- Ensure your tax return is filed: Eligibility largely depends on having your 2024 return processed.
- Set up direct deposit: To avoid delays, make sure your banking info with CRA is up to date.
- Be wary of scams: Unsolicited messages or claims may be fraudulent—never give personal banking or SIN info to unknown sources.
- Understand the difference: $698 is tied to the GST/HST credit, not a new or “extra” benefit.
Summary & Key Takeaways
- $698 corresponds to the maximum annual GST/HST credit for a married or common-law couple for the 2024 base year.
- There is no confirmed separate one-time $698 CRA payment for September 2025 from government sources.
- To receive the GST/HST credit, you must be eligible under CRA rules and file your tax return.
- Payments for the GST/HST credit are issued quarterly, not as a single September lump sum.
- Be cautious of any rumors or social media posts claiming guaranteed one-time CRA payouts—they often misinterpret or misuse the $698 figure from the GST/HST credit schedule.