About the CRA

Who we are

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) administers the Income Tax Act and other taxes and is the principal revenue collector in the country. We also distribute benefit payments to millions of Canadians.

We strive to ensure that Canadians:

• pay their required share of taxes;
• receive their rightful share of entitlements; and
• are provided with an impartial and responsive review of contested decisions.

Our foundation of trust

Building our foundation of trust is critical to achieving our mandate. Canadians respect our integrity and professionalism. Our respect and co-operation are the basis for our dealings with all Canadians and will guide us forward.

Trust begins with CRA’s values that reflect our principles and beliefs and guide our behaviour and practices. These values are integrity, professionalism, respect, and co-operation.

Our role in Canada’s tax and benefit systems

A well-functioning tax and benefit system is essential to a healthy economy, a sustainable infrastructure, and a strong democracy.

Some of the tax revenue we collect is redistributed to taxpayers by us in the form of benefit payments or tax credits. Other tax revenue is provided to our federal, provincial, territorial, and First Nations government clients to finance their programs and services for Canadians.

Date modified:

2009-01-29