Thursday, July 9, 2026 Every July, a wave of federal benefit payments resets for the new benefit year — and 2026 brings one of the biggest shifts in years. Between a permanent 25% boost to the old GST/HST credit, a fresh Canada Child Benefit increase, and the largest quarterly OAS bump of the year, millions of Canadian households will see different numbers land in their accounts this month. Here's what actually changed, and what to check in your own CRA account. The GST/HST Credit Has a New Name — and a Bigger Payout The GST/HST credit has officially been replaced by the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) . It's not a new program from scratch — it runs on the same CRA infrastructure and eligibility rules — but the payment amounts are 25% higher, and that increase is locked in for five years. The first CGEB payment went out on July 3, 2026. Under the new structure: A single individual with no children can receive up to roughly $679 per year (about $170 per quart...
Federal Government Extends Charitable Donation Tax Deduction Deadline to February 2025
In response to the recent Canada Post strike, the federal government has announced an extension for the deadline to claim charitable donations on tax returns. Originally set for December 31, 2024, the new deadline is now February 28, 2025.
Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc stated that this extension aims to mitigate the impact of the strike, which significantly disrupted mail-in donations during the crucial holiday season. Charities, such as the Salvation Army, reported a drop in donations by over 50% due to the strike.
The government plans to introduce legislation to amend the Income Tax Act once Parliament resumes on January 27, 2025. This extension is expected to provide charities with additional time to receive and process donations, ensuring they can continue their vital work in communities across Canada.
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