CAT is a quasi-judicial commission set by the president every 5 years or whenever is deemed necessary.

W.r.t the balancing wheel of the fiscal federalism of our country and helps in maintaining fiscal equilibrium by performing the following functions -> 1. stimulate the net tax proceeds b/w the centre and state (vertical demarcation) and lay down conditions for distribution of these proceeds among the states ( horizontal demarcation) 2. Suggest measures for augmenting the consolidated fund of state & supplementing local joint body grants. 3. Furnish guidelines for disburse grants in avid (A&J) to the land god. 4. Render advice to president when he/she may ask it to do so.