The Canada Carbon Tax Rebate Payment Schedule for 2026 has officially ended following the federal government’s suspension of the carbon levy as of April 1, 2025. The final rebate was distributed in April 2025, marking the last installment of what was once known as the Climate Action Incentive Payment (CAIP) — now renamed the Canada Carbon Rebate (CCR).
While most Canadians have received their last payment, late filers may still qualify for a one-time “catch-up” payout after submitting their 2024 tax return. In the meantime, several provincial energy-efficiency and climate programs are stepping in to replace the discontinued federal initiative.
What Was the Canada Carbon Tax Rebate?

The Canada Carbon Rebate was originally designed to offset the financial impact of the federal carbon pricing system, which added a levy on fuels and energy use in certain provinces.
Under the old structure, the rebate was automatically issued by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) every quarter — in January, April, July, and October — to help Canadians manage higher energy costs.
Eligible residents did not need to apply; payments were made automatically based on their annual tax filings and varied by province, family size, and rural status.
Why the Federal Carbon Levy Was Suspended
In a major policy shift announced on March 15, 2025, the Government of Canada suspended the federal fuel charge for five years — from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2030.
This means:
- No new carbon tax collections during that period.
- No future federal rebate funding.
- The April 2025 rebate was the final standard payment.
The decision was framed as a way to give Canadians relief from high energy prices while allowing provinces to design their own localized climate programs.
How the Carbon Rebate Worked (Before 2026)
The program operated as part of the federal Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act. The federal carbon “backstop” applied in provinces without their own pricing system, including Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario.
Rebates were structured to ensure that most households received more money back than they paid in carbon charges.
Here’s what Canadians typically received in their final April 2025 payment based on the 2024 tax year:
Province | Single Adult | Spouse/Partner | Per Child | Rural Supplement |
---|---|---|---|---|
Alberta | $228 | $114 | $57 | +20% |
Ontario | $140 | $70 | $35 | +20% |
Manitoba | $190 | $95 | $48 | +20% |
Saskatchewan | $206 | $103 | $52 | +20% |
What Happens in 2026?
The short answer: no more quarterly payments.
As of 2026:
- There are no new CRA carbon rebate payment dates in January, April, July, or October.
- Late filers for the 2024 tax year may still receive one-time “catch-up” payments once their returns are processed.
- Provincial and local energy-efficiency incentives will now take the lead in providing household-level support.
Essentially, the program has ended, and future relief efforts will be handled at the provincial or sectoral level rather than through federal rebates.
Step-by-Step: How to Check Your Carbon Rebate or Pending Payment
Even though the program has ended, it’s worth checking your CRA account to ensure you’ve received all payments due.
Step 1 – Log In to CRA My Account
Visit the CRA My Account portal, go to “Benefits & Credits”, and look for entries under “Canada Carbon Rebate” or “Climate Action Incentive Payment.”
Step 2 – Confirm Your 2024 Tax Return Is Filed
The CRA cannot process any rebate if your 2024 return remains unfiled. Submitting it promptly ensures that any eligible payment will be automatically issued.
Step 3 – Update Direct Deposit Information
If your banking details have changed, update them through My Account to prevent missed or delayed payments.
Step 4 – Monitor CRA News Releases
While the federal rebate is over, CRA occasionally posts updates on related transition or compensation programs.
Step 5 – Explore Other Supports
Check active energy and affordability programs such as:
- GST/HST Credit
- Canada Workers Benefit (CWB)
- Home Efficiency Rebates (Natural Resources Canada)
- Provincial energy grants (e.g., Alberta’s Energy Savings for Homes or Ontario’s Save on Energy)
Examples of What Canadians Are Experiencing
Example 1: Sarah from Ontario
Sarah, a teacher, received $280 in 2025 through her rebate. With the program gone, she instead applied for the Canada Greener Homes Grant, securing $5,000 for new insulation — significantly improving her home’s energy efficiency.
Example 2: Mike from Alberta
Mike filed his 2024 tax return late. In February 2026, the CRA issued a one-time catch-up payment, marking the last rebate he’ll ever receive under the discontinued system.
Expert Insight: What Comes Next
Economists and environmental experts agree that ending the federal carbon levy marks a turning point in Canada’s climate policy.
Three key outcomes are expected:
- Lower short-term fuel costs in provinces that were under the federal carbon charge.
- Reduced federal climate revenue, meaning no direct household rebates.
- Greater provincial autonomy — giving local governments the freedom to create new energy-efficiency or green infrastructure programs.
However, analysts warn that without a price signal on carbon emissions, emission reduction progress could slow, unless replaced by incentives for clean technology and renewable energy adoption.
Practical Tips for Canadians Going Forward
- Adjust your household budget — remove the rebate as a recurring income source.
- Invest in energy-efficient upgrades like solar panels, insulation, and heat pumps.
- Apply for all eligible federal and provincial credits (GST/HST, CWB, Disability Tax Credit, etc.).
- Stay informed through CRA and Natural Resources Canada updates.
- Plan ahead — environmental and financial policy changes may shift again before 2030.
This isn’t just the end of a rebate — it’s a reminder that sustainability is becoming a personal as well as national responsibility.
FAQs
1. Is the Canada Carbon Rebate still active in 2026?
No. The rebate ended after the final April 2025 payment. The federal carbon levy was suspended for 2025–2030, so no new rebates are being issued.
2. Will I still get a payment if I filed taxes late?
Possibly. Late 2024 tax filers may receive a one-time “catch-up” rebate when their returns are processed by the CRA.
3. Why did the government cancel the carbon tax?
The federal government suspended the carbon levy to lower energy costs and allow provinces to develop their own localized environmental policies.
4. What programs are replacing the Carbon Rebate?
Canadians can now access provincial energy-efficiency programs, home retrofit grants, and federal initiatives like the Greener Homes Grant.
5. How can I check if I’ve received my last payment?
Sign in to CRA My Account, navigate to Benefits & Credits, and review the Canada Carbon Rebate section to confirm your payment status.