The CRA is responsible for administering tax programs, as well as delivering economic and social benefits. It also administers certain provincial and territorial tax programs. In addition, the CRA has the authority to enter into new partnerships with the provinces, territories, and other government bodies to administer non-harmonized taxes subject to guidelines established by the Minister of National Revenue and the Minister of Finance and other services, on a cost-recovery basis.

In meeting these responsibilities, the CRA serves hundreds of thousands of Canadians every day.

The CRA's strategic priorities are tax integrity, service to Canadians, business sustainability, and trust and integrity. For 2007-2008, our areas of focus are enhancing service delivery, maximizing tax debt collections and addressing non-compliance.The Agency's most critical priority is, and has always been, to maintain integrity in the administration of the Canadian tax system and in the tax base. This in turn serves as a foundation for a healthy economy, a sustainable social infrastructure, and a strong democracy. Our strategy for achieving this priority is the rigorous and methodical ongoing assessment of compliance risks and the mitigation of those risks through the continued refinement of programs, in conjunction with the development of new and innovative approaches.

Compliance with tax laws typically means registering when required to do so, filing returns on time, reporting complete and accurate information, and paying amounts when due.

The Agency continually strives to deliver programs and services effectively, fairly, and at the lowest possible cost. Its goals are to provide accessible, responsive, and reliable services and clear, informative communications; to deliver fair, responsible, and effective enforcement programs in a way that directly responds to environmental changes; to minimize the administrative cost and compliance burden on taxpayers by streamlining and simplifying legislation, programs, and operations; to apply the principles of fairness diligently and consistently in all CRA programs, to maintain public confidence and encourage voluntary compliance; to ensure that employees have the knowledge, skills, and support to work effectively in an environment that promotes and recognizes exemplary performance; and to support Agency programs and initiatives through responsive, integrated, and affordable corporate policies, systems, and processes.

CRA administers the Canada Child Tax Benefit, the Goods and Services Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax (GST/HST) credit, and many provincial and territorial benefit and credit programs. It also collects federal income tax and income tax for some provinces, GST/HST, Canada Pension Plan contributions, Employment Insurance premiums, excise duties, excise taxes, various charges including the Softwood Lumber Products Export Charge and the Air Travellers' Security Charge, and debts owing to Her Majesty under other government department programs where agreements exist.