One of its key aims is to achieve a better, more efficient, tax system for all affected by it – taxpayers, advisers and the authorities.

The CIOT's comments and recommendations on tax issues are made solely in order to achieve its aims: it is entirely apolitical in its work.

Membership is awarded on passing the Institute's CTA examinations and completing three years' practical taxation experience.

Members may use the letters CTA (Chartered Tax Adviser), formerly ATII (Associate of the Taxation Institute Incorporated).

Since 2014, the CIOT and Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) have offered the ACA/CTA Joint Programme, a combined route which allows tax students to achieve both prestigious qualifications in a shorter length of time.