GST Payment Dates 2025 : Key GST Payment Dates for 2025
As a business owner or individual in Canada, staying on top of your Goods and Services Tax (GST) payments is crucial to maintaining compliance with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). GST, which is applied to most goods and services in Canada, is a value-added tax that businesses collect and remit to the CRA. The CRA also requires periodic payments for the GST/HST (Harmonized Sales Tax) credits, which are designed to offset the tax burden for individuals and families. Understanding the GST payment schedule for 2025 can help ensure that you’re meeting your obligations on time and avoid penalties. Let’s dive into the important dates and what you need to know for this year.
What is the GST Payment?
GST payments refer to the amounts businesses owe to the CRA after collecting GST from their customers. Businesses that earn over $30,000 annually in taxable sales are required to register for GST/HST, and they must file regular GST returns to report the amount collected and remit the tax to the government.
Key GST Payment Dates for 2025
For businesses that have a calendar year-end, GST payment dates are generally linked to the filing and payment deadlines. The CRA sets specific dates for remitting the GST collected, depending on your filing frequency. The three primary filing frequencies are:
- Annual Filing – For businesses with low taxable sales (typically less than $1.5 million annually).
- Quarterly Filing – For businesses with moderate taxable sales.
- Monthly Filing – For businesses with high taxable sales or businesses that collect large amounts of GST.
The GST payment deadlines for 2025 largely follow the same schedule as in previous years, but let’s break them down.
1. Annual Filing GST Payment Dates (2025)
If your business is eligible to file annually, you need to file a GST return by June 15, 2025, for the 2024 tax year. Payments must be made by the same date to avoid interest or penalties.
- Payment Date: June 15, 2025 (if your fiscal year ends December 31, 2024).
However, if June 15 falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline is extended to the next business day.
2. Quarterly Filing GST Payment Dates (2025)
If your business is required to file quarterly, you will need to submit a GST return for each quarter and make corresponding payments. For 2025, the quarterly GST payment dates are:
- First Quarter (January 1 – March 31, 2025): Payment due by April 30, 2025.
- Second Quarter (April 1 – June 30, 2025): Payment due by July 31, 2025.
- Third Quarter (July 1 – September 30, 2025): Payment due by October 31, 2025.
- Fourth Quarter (October 1 – December 31, 2025): Payment due by January 31, 2026.
Each payment is based on the GST/HST collected during the respective quarter, and payments must be received by the CRA by the end of the month following the quarter’s end.
3. Monthly Filing GST Payment Dates (2025)
Businesses that need to file on a monthly basis will also need to make monthly payments. These businesses are typically larger organizations that regularly collect substantial GST amounts. For businesses with monthly filing requirements in 2025, the payment dates are:
- January 2025: Payment due by February 28, 2025.
- February 2025: Payment due by March 31, 2025.
- March 2025: Payment due by April 30, 2025.
- April 2025: Payment due by May 31, 2025.
- May 2025: Payment due by June 30, 2025.
- June 2025: Payment due by July 31, 2025.
- July 2025: Payment due by August 31, 2025.
- August 2025: Payment due by September 30, 2025.
- September 2025: Payment due by October 31, 2025.
- October 2025: Payment due by November 30, 2025.
- November 2025: Payment due by December 31, 2025.
- December 2025: Payment due by January 31, 2026.
What Happens If You Miss a GST Payment Deadline?
If you miss a GST payment deadline, you could face penalties and interest charges. The CRA charges a late filing penalty for returns filed after the due date and interest on any unpaid GST. The interest rates for late payments vary, but they are generally compounded daily, so the longer you wait, the higher the cost.
Tips to Avoid Late Payments
- Set up Reminders: Use digital calendars or accounting software to set reminders for important payment dates.
- Keep Accurate Records: Ensure your business accounts are up-to-date to avoid any discrepancies when filing.
- Consider Automating Payments: You can set up automatic payments to the CRA through your bank to ensure timely remittances.
- Consult a Professional: If you’re unsure of your filing frequency or due dates, consider speaking with an accountant or tax professional who can help.