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The GST/HST Credit Has a New Name — And It's Paying 25% More

  Sunday, July 19, 2026 If you've relied on the quarterly GST/HST credit, that name is gone for good. Here's what replaced it, how much more it's worth, and whether you need to do anything to get it. For years, the GST/HST credit quietly landed in millions of Canadian bank accounts every three months — a modest, tax-free top-up meant to offset sales tax on everyday purchases. As of this month, that program no longer exists under its old name. It's now the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) , and the federal government has permanently increased the payment by 25%, locked in for five years. If you already qualified for the GST/HST credit, you don't need to apply for anything new. But you should know what changed, because the numbers — and the timeline — are more involved than a simple rename. What actually changed The CGEB was first announced by the federal government in January 2026 as part of a broader affordability push, and it became law with the passa...
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CRA may tax company gifts to employees, depending on what it is and how much it’s worth

 


Here is a short article about the tax rules surrounding gifts by employers in Canada:

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) distinguishes between gifts, awards, and long-service awards. The value of gifts and awards are generally taxable to employees as employment income, but certain non-cash gifts and awards may not be taxable under the updated administrative policies.

A gift is something given to an employee for a special occasion such as a religious holiday, birthday, wedding, or the birth of a child. Gifts given around this time of year will generally fall under this category. 

An award is given for an employment-related accomplishment such as outstanding service, or an employee’s suggestion. It recognizes an employee’s “overall contribution to the workplace, not recognition of job performance.” 

A valid, potentially non-taxable award has clearly defined criteria, a nomination and evaluation process, and a limited number of recipients, according to the CRA. Contrast this with a reward, which is provided to employees for performance-related reasons, such as meeting or exceeding sales targets, or completing a project. These rewards are considered to be taxable benefits to the employee, akin to a bonus or extra compensation. 

Under the CRA’s administrative policy, employees can receive an unlimited number of tax-free non-cash gifts or awards each year, provided the combined total fair market value of those gifts and awards is less than $500 (including tax). Excluded from this $500 limit are small items or items of a trivial value such as coffee or tea, T-shirts, mugs, plaques, and trophies. If, however, the total of non-cash gifts and awards is more than $500 in a calendar year, the amount over $500 will be considered a taxable employment benefit.


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