The Department of Revenue is led by the Secretary (Revenue) under the overall direction and supervision of the Union Finance Minister. It exercises monitoring, supervision and administration in respect of matters relating to all the Direct and Indirect Union Taxes through two statutory Boards namely, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) and the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC). Each Board is headed by a chairman who is also ex officio Special Secretary to the Government of India (Secretary level).

Matters relating to the levy and collection of all Direct taxes are looked after by the CBDT whereas those relating to levy and collection of GST, Customs Duty, Central Excise duties and other Indirect taxes fall within the purview of the CBIC. The two Boards were constituted under the Central Board of Revenue Act, 1963. At present, the CBDT has six Members and the CBIC has six Members.