Canada FPT 2024: A Complete Guide to the Tax-Free Benefits You Can Receive

If you are a Canadian resident, you may have noticed a deposit labeled “Canada FPT” in your bank account. This deposit is a tax-free payment from the federal, provincial, and territorial governments that you may be eligible for based on your income, family size, and other factors. In this article, we will explain what Canada FPT stands for, what types of benefits it includes, how to qualify for them, and when to expect your payments in 2024.

Key Takeaways

• Canada FPT stands for Federal-Provincial-Territorial tax credits, which are payments that help offset the sales tax and support families with children.
• The most common Canada FPT payments are the GST/HST credit and the Canada Child Benefit (CCB), but there are also some provincial and territorial benefits that may be paid under this code.
• To be eligible for Canada FPT payments, you must file your tax return every year and meet the income and residency requirements for each program.
• Canada FPT payments are usually made on a quarterly or monthly basis, depending on the program. The payment dates for 2024 are listed below.

What is Canada FPT?

Canada FPT stands for Federal-Provincial-Territorial tax credits. These are payments that are issued by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) on behalf of the federal, provincial, and territorial governments. The purpose of these payments is to provide tax relief and financial support to low- and modest-income individuals and families in Canada.

The most common Canada FPT payments are the GST/HST credit and the Canada Child Benefit (CCB). However, there are also some provincial and territorial benefits that may be paid under the Canada FPT code, such as the British Columbia Climate Action Tax Credit and the Ontario Senior Homeowners’ Property Tax Grant.

Types of FPT Payments

Here are some of the types of FPT payments that you may receive, depending on where you live and your eligibility.

GST/HST Credit

The Goods and Services Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax (GST/HST) credit is a quarterly payment that helps offset the sales tax that you pay on goods and services. The amount of the credit depends on your income, marital status, and number of children.

For the July 2023 to June 2024 payment period, the maximum amounts are as follows:

• Single individual: up to $496
• Couples: up to $650
• Child under the age of 19: up to $171

The GST/HST credit is paid on the fifth day of January, April, July, and October. If your payment is less than $200 for the year, you will receive a lump sum payment in July.

Canada Child Benefit

The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a monthly payment that helps parents with the costs of raising children under the age of 18. The CCB is based on your income, number of children, and their ages.

The maximum amount of CCB per child depends on their age:

• Children under the age of 6: up to $7,437 per year or $619.75 per month
• Children between the ages of 6 and 17: up to $6,275 per year or $522.91 per month

The CCB is paid on or before the 20th day of each month. If your payment is less than $240 for the year, you will receive a lump sum payment in July.

Provincial and Territorial Benefits

Some provinces and territories offer additional benefits that are administered by the CRA and paid under the Canada FPT code. These benefits may vary depending on your income, family size, and other criteria. Some examples of these benefits are:

• British Columbia Climate Action Tax Credit: a quarterly payment that helps low- and moderate-income individuals and families with the carbon tax. The maximum amounts for the July 2023 to June 2024 payment period are $174 for a single individual, $255 for a couple, and $51 per child.
• Ontario Senior Homeowners’ Property Tax Grant: an annual payment that helps low- to moderate-income seniors with the property taxes they pay on their principal residence. The maximum amount for the 2023 tax year is $625.
• Alberta Child and Family Benefit: a quarterly payment that helps low- and middle-income families with children. The maximum amounts for the July 2023 to June 2024 payment period are $1,330 for the first child, $665 for the second child, and $332 for each additional child.

You can check the CRA website for more information on the provincial and territorial benefits that you may be eligible for.

Eligibility Criteria for FPT Payments

To be eligible for Canada FPT payments, you must meet the following general criteria:

• You must be a Canadian resident for tax purposes.
• You must file your tax return every year, even if you have no income.
• You must meet the income and residency requirements for each program.

The income and residency requirements for each program may vary, but here are some examples:

• GST/HST Credit: You must have a net income of less than $48,012 for a single individual, $52,012 for a couple, or $56,012 for a couple with two children. You must also be 19 years of age or older, or have a spouse, common-law partner, or child, or be a parent who lives with your child.
• Canada Child Benefit: You must have a child under the age of 18 who lives with you and for whom you are primarily responsible. You must also have a net income of less than $120,000 for a family with one child, or less than $140,000 for a family with two or more children.
• Provincial and Territorial Benefits: You must live in the province or territory that offers the benefit and meet the specific income and residency requirements for each benefit.

You can use the Child and Family Benefits Calculator to estimate how much you may receive from the FPT payments.

How to Apply for FPT Payments

You do not need to apply for most of the FPT payments, such as the GST/HST credit and the CCB. The CRA will automatically assess your eligibility based on the information you provide on your tax return. However, you may need to apply for some provincial and territorial benefits, such as the Ontario Senior Homeowners’ Property Tax Grant. You can check the CRA website for more information on how to apply for each benefit.

FPT Payment Dates 2024

Depending on the program you are eligible for, the FPT payment dates in 2024 are:

• GST/HST Credit: January 5, April 5, July 5, and October 4
• Canada Child Benefit: January 19, February 20, March 20, April 19, May 17, June 20, July 19, August 20, September 20, October 18, November 20, and December 13
• Provincial and Territorial Benefits: Usually on the same dates as the GST/HST credit, but may vary depending on the benefit

You can also subscribe to receive email reminders of the benefit and credit payment dates from the CRA.

Utilizing the Money

The FPT payments are meant to help you with your living expenses and reduce your tax burden. You can use the money for whatever you need, such as paying your bills, buying groceries, saving for your future, or investing in your education. However, you should also be mindful of how you spend the money and avoid unnecessary or wasteful purchases.

Here are some tips on how to make the most of your FPT payments:

• Create a budget and track your income and expenses. This will help you plan your spending and saving goals and avoid overspending or going into debt.
• Pay off your high-interest debts, such as credit cards, payday loans, or personal loans. This will save you money on interest and fees and improve your credit score.
• Build an emergency fund that can cover at least three to six months of your essential expenses. This will help you cope with unexpected events, such as job loss, illness, or car repairs, without relying on credit or borrowing from others.
• Save for your retirement by contributing to a registered retirement savings plan (RRSP) or a tax-free savings account (TFSA). These accounts offer tax advantages and help you grow your money over time. You can also take advantage of the Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG) and the Canada Learning Bond (CLB) by opening a registered education savings plan (RESP) for your child’s education.
• Invest in your skills and knowledge by taking courses, workshops, or online programs that can help you advance your career or start a business. You can also use the money to buy books, tools, or equipment that can enhance your learning or productivity.

Conclusion

Canada FPT payments are a valuable source of income for many Canadians who qualify for them. They can help you reduce your tax burden, support your family, and improve your quality of life. By understanding what Canada FPT stands for, what types of benefits it includes, how to qualify for them, and when to expect your payments in 2024, you can better plan your finances and make the most of your money.

Source: (1) GST/HST credit – Payment dates – Canada.ca. https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/child-family-benefits/gsthstc-payment-dates.html. (2) Benefit payment dates – Canada.ca. https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/child-family-benefits/benefit-payment-dates.html.