Plain meaning
The federal agency that administers tax laws, benefit payments, credits, and many compliance programs for the Government of Canada.
Also called
CRA
Key points
- The CRA administers income tax, GST/HST, payroll source deductions, many benefit and credit programs, and registered-plan compliance.
- CRA notices, reassessments, tax tips, prescribed rates, and filing guidance often affect taxpayers directly.
- The CRA administers tax law but does not usually create federal tax policy; tax policy is generally led by the Department of Finance Canada.
- CRA guidance can help taxpayers understand administration, but the legal result still depends on the applicable legislation and facts.
Why it comes up
Many ReFocus Tax articles cite CRA tax tips, prescribed interest rates, benefit administration, reassessments, or compliance reminders.