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Why Interest Rates Matter for Canadians

Interest rates are the single most powerful lever in Canada's economy.  When the Bank of Canada adjusts its policy rate, the effects reach every household—from the cost of carrying a mortgage to the return on a savings account. With rates currently at 2.25% and significant uncertainty ahead, understanding how rates work has never been more important for your finances. What Is the Bank of Canada's Policy Rate? The Bank of Canada sets the overnight policy rate—the interest rate at which major banks lend money to each other. This rate serves as a benchmark that influences borrowing and lending costs across the entire economy. When the Bank raises or lowers this rate, commercial banks adjust their prime rates accordingly, which directly affects the rates you pay on mortgages, lines of credit, and other loans. The Bank's primary goal is to keep inflation near its 2% target. When inflation runs too hot, the Bank raises rates to cool spending. When the economy slows, it cuts rates...

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GST/HST Credit Eligibility Criteria for 2024




The GST/HST credit is a tax credit offered to low- and modest-income households in Canada. It is a tax-free quarterly payment that helps offset the GST or HST paid on goods and services. You are eligible for the GST/HST credit if you are a Canadian resident over the age of 19. A Canadian resident earning below $52,255 annually is eligible to apply for the GST/HST tax credit. The annual earnings limit increases to $62,175 for a single parent with two children, and for a married couple with three children, the adjusted family income should be lower than $65,595.

The GST/HST tax credit amount varies based on the individual’s income and family size. An individual is eligible to receive up to $496 in tax refunds. Moreover, the tax credit amount rises to $650 for married couples, while for every child below the age of 19, the payout is raised by an additional $171.

The GST/HST tax credit for the 2022 base year will be distributed between July 2023 and June 2024. The last GST/HST tax credit distribution date was on January 5, 2024.

It is important to note that the eligibility criteria and tax credit amounts are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please visit the official website of the Canada Revenue Agency.

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