Quebec Solidarity Tax Credit (Crédit d'impôt solidarité) Guide (2025)
The Quebec Solidarity Tax Credit (Crédit d'impôt solidarité) is a key refundable tax benefit for low- and moderate-income residents of Quebec. It helps offset the cost of housing, sales tax (QST), and, for some, higher living costs in northern regions. This in-depth guide explains eligibility, how the credit is calculated, how and when to apply, and strategies for maximizing your payment in 2025.
What is the Quebec Solidarity Tax Credit?
- Refundable tax credit paid monthly to eligible Quebec residents
- Made up of three components:
- Housing component
- QST component (Quebec Sales Tax reimbursement)
- Northern component (extra help for residents of remote northern villages)
- Purpose: To help with the cost of living, including rent, property tax, and QST paid on everyday expenses
- Administered by: Revenu Québec (not the CRA)
- Paid: Monthly (July to June), based on your previous year’s tax return and information
The solidarity credit is a critical support for Quebecers—especially seniors, renters, low-income families, and those with higher housing or regional costs.
Who is Eligible?
- You must be a resident of Quebec on December 31 of the previous tax year
- Age 18 or older (or under 18 if you have a spouse, are a parent, or were emancipated by court)
- You (or your spouse) must file a Quebec income tax return, even if you have no income
- Meet at least one of:
- Rent or own your principal residence in Quebec
- Live in a public long-term care facility (CHSLD)
- Not a full-time student (unless you have a spouse or child)
Eligibility for each component (housing, QST, northern) depends on your situation—see below for details.
Credit Components & Payment Calculation
1. Housing Component
- For those who rent or own their main home in Quebec
- Amount depends on:
- Marital status
- Number of dependent children
- Type of dwelling (e.g., apartment, house, room, CHSLD)
- Renters: Must provide landlord's name and address, amount of rent, and date of occupancy
- Homeowners: Must provide property roll number and tax bill info
2. QST Component
- Reimburses part of the Quebec Sales Tax you pay on goods and services
- Calculated based on family net income and marital status
- Phased out at higher incomes (see annual thresholds at Revenu Québec)
3. Northern Component
- For residents of remote northern villages (as defined by Revenu Québec)
- Extra amount per adult and per child to offset higher cost of living
- Must live in an eligible northern village on December 31
Payments are recalculated every July, based on the previous year’s return and housing/occupancy information as of December 31.
How to Apply & Claim the Solidarity Credit
- File your Quebec income tax return (TP-1) by the deadline, even if you have no income.
- Complete Schedule D (Logement) to provide details on your residence (rent or property tax), landlord info, and occupancy.
- If married or common-law, only one person (the one whose name appears on the lease or property tax bill) should claim for the family.
- Make sure your banking info is up-to-date with Revenu Québec for direct deposit.
- If you move after December 31, update your address with Revenu Québec promptly.
When and How Are Solidarity Credit Payments Made?
- Paid monthly (July to June) by Revenu Québec, based on your previous year’s tax return
- Direct deposit is the fastest and most secure way to receive your payments
- If your total annual credit is less than $800, you may receive it as a lump sum in July
- If your situation changes (e.g., marriage, separation, new child, move), report it to Revenu Québec promptly
Check your "Avis de paiement" (Payment Notice) from Revenu Québec for exact amounts and payment schedule.
Maximizing Your Solidarity Credit: Claim Tips & Strategies
- Always file your Quebec tax return on time—even if you have no or low income.
- Provide accurate rent/property tax and landlord/owner info on Schedule D.
- Update your marital status, number of dependants, and address with Revenu Québec as soon as changes occur.
- If you share housing, only one person (usually the main leaseholder or owner) reports the full rent/property tax for the unit. The credit is based on total household info.
- Use direct deposit for faster, more secure payments.
- Check the estimator before moving to a new address—different types of housing and regions affect the credit amount.
- If ineligible one year, reapply the next year—eligibility can change if your income/housing changes.
Frequently Asked Questions: Quebec Solidarity Tax Credit
Related Quebec Guides & Resources
- Quebec Individual Tax Breaks Directory
- Quebec Family & Children Credits
- Quebec Health & Disability Credits
- Quebec Senior Credits
- Canada-Wide Individual Tax Credits
For official information, visit Revenu Québec.