COP9 HMRC Tax Investigation – An Accountants Approach COP9, otherwise known as Code of Practice 9 is a HMRC Investigation, which is opened when the HMRC suspect a big loss of VAT / Tax through fraudulent taxpayer behavior. If a COP9 investigation is opened, you would be issued with a CDF, also known as a Contractual Disclosure Facility offer. You are allowed up to 60 days to decline or accept the CDF offer. Please consider that if you receive this document and decide to accept, you gain immunity from prosecution or further investigation.

This is on the condition that you fix any irregularities in regards to fraudulent tax behavior and submit a report. COP9 is by far the most serious type of HMRC investigation carried out by specialist investigators and has become more common with the introduction of the HMRC connect system. This special type of computer system is able to link up billions of pieces of data, which is fed from a stream of sources. This clever system can spot tax irregularities from fraudulent taxpayers. This system costs over £80m to produce, however it is not to be underestimated as it has contributed to a yield of £3 billion of tax revenues. HMRC compliance checks are in place to help avoid tax dodging and prevent mistakes. The HMRC connect system is also used to spot when a citizen has been paying too much tax, which is refundable by the HMRC. A COP8 HMRC investigation is undertaken when there are tax irregularities but serious fraud is not suspected. A COP8 is not to be taken lightly however, as it can lead to a COP9 HMRC investigation if a person does not meet HMRC compliance checks. It is unlikely that the HMRC will disclose what evidence they have on a suspected fraudster.

The Accountancy Solutions – Qualified accountants in Birmingham specialize in COP9 investigations and are able to help such investigations. A qualified accountant would be able to help you go through CFD, deal with HMRC officers and make sure that reduce tax penalties are charged where ever possible. We as professional accountants can attend meetings with the HMRC on your behalf and also prepare disclosure reports. This expert help can result in a fair and final settlement, in which an affordable payment plan is put in place over a reasonable amount of time.

Our Locations The Accountancy Solutions Birmingham Apex House, Calthorpe Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 1TR The Accountancy Solutions London 79 College Rd, Harrow HA1 1BD