In April 2025, many Canadians were surprised to find two separate deposits in their accounts under the GST/HST credit program. This unexpected double payment triggered questions about eligibility, errors, and whether this extra amount was intentional. With the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) managing several benefits and tax credits, such instances can happen, but understanding why is key to avoiding confusion.
The GST/HST credit is a tax-free quarterly benefit provided to low- and modest-income Canadians to help offset the GST or HST they pay on goods and services. Payments are typically issued in January, April, July, and October. However, due to tax reassessments or changes in personal circumstances, some individuals may receive more than one payment during the same cycle. Let’s explore what caused these double deposits and what recipients should do next.
Reasons for Receiving Two GST/HST Payments
A few legitimate reasons may explain why some individuals received two GST/HST payments in April 2025:
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Reassessments or Adjustments: If the CRA reviewed and reassessed your previous tax return and determined that you were entitled to a higher amount, they may issue an additional top-up payment.
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Late Tax Filings: If your tax return for a previous year was filed late and recently processed, the CRA might issue your delayed GST/HST payment along with the current one.
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Changes in Eligibility: Adjustments to family status, income, or number of dependents can alter your payment amount. If these changes were processed just before or after a scheduled payment, you might receive an updated payment as a correction.
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Provincial or Territorial Top-Ups: In some cases, additional provincial or territorial credits are issued at the same time as the GST/HST credit but may appear as separate payments, creating the impression of a double deposit.
Verifying Your Payments
If you’ve received two payments and are unsure why, here’s how you can verify them:
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Use CRA My Account: Sign in to your CRA My Account to see detailed benefit payment information, including the exact dates and amounts deposited.
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Check Your Payment Notices: The CRA usually provides notices for any benefit updates or changes. Reviewing these can help you identify if a reassessment or adjustment occurred.
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Contact the CRA: If you’re still unsure or believe there may have been an error, you can contact the CRA directly for clarification and assistance.
Conclusion
Double deposits from the CRA can be surprising but are often linked to legitimate adjustments such as late filings, reassessments, or benefit recalculations. As long as you’ve filed your taxes correctly and kept your personal information up to date, these payments are typically accurate and require no further action.
That said, it’s always wise to log in to your CRA My Account to verify the payment details or reach out to the CRA for reassurance. Understanding the reasons behind extra payments ensures you’re informed, confident, and financially prepared — especially when managing household budgets in 2025.
FAQs
Why did I receive two GST/HST credit payments this week?
You may have received a supplemental payment due to reassessment, late tax filing, changes in eligibility, or a separate provincial or territorial credit issued alongside your regular payment.
Is it normal to receive multiple GST/HST payments?
It’s not typical, but it can happen for valid reasons. Reassessments, adjustments, and certain regional credits can result in multiple payments.
How can I check the reason for the extra payment?
Log in to your CRA My Account to view your payment history, or contact the CRA for a clear explanation.
Will the extra payment impact future GST/HST credits?
No, a supplemental payment won’t reduce your future credits unless your eligibility or income changes in the next cycle.
What should I do if I believe I received an incorrect payment?
If you’re concerned that the payment may have been issued in error, contact the CRA directly to report it and receive further instructions.
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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.