Question 1

What is a COP 9 investigation?

Accepted Answer

A COP 9 investigation is HMRC's most serious civil tax fraud investigation procedure. When HMRC suspects deliberate tax fraud, they issue a Code of Practice 9 letter offering you the Contractual Disclosure Facility (CDF). This is essentially HMRC saying they believe you've committed serious tax fraud but are offering immunity from criminal prosecution if you make a full, honest disclosure of all irregularities. The investigation covers all taxes across your entire tax history—typically going back 20 years or more. COP 9 differs fundamentally from routine enquiries because HMRC already has evidence of suspected fraud before issuing the letter. You have 60 days to decide whether to accept the CDF offer and engage with the investigation, or reject it and risk criminal prosecution. This is the most critical decision in the entire process, requiring immediate expert advice. If you've received a COP 9 letter, [contact us immediately](/contact) for urgent specialist advice.

Question 2

How long do I have to respond to a COP 9 letter?

Accepted Answer

You have exactly 60 days from the date of the COP 9 letter to respond in writing to HMRC. This deadline is strictly enforced—there are no automatic extensions. Within this period, you must decide whether to accept or reject the Contractual Disclosure Facility (CDF) offer. If accepting, you need to sign and return the CDF contract and submit an Outline Disclosure acknowledging that you have committed tax fraud. Missing this deadline can result in HMRC withdrawing the immunity from prosecution offer and potentially referring your case for criminal investigation. The 60-day window is deliberately tight because HMRC expects you to take immediate action. Most clients need at least 3-4 weeks to gather records and prepare even an outline disclosure, which is why contacting a specialist within the first week is essential for protecting your position. [Schedule an emergency consultation](/contact) to ensure you meet this critical deadline.

Question 3

What is the Contractual Disclosure Facility (CDF)?

Accepted Answer

The Contractual Disclosure Facility (CDF) is HMRC's formal immunity-from-prosecution agreement offered during COP 9 investigations. By accepting the CDF, you're entering a binding contract with HMRC where you agree to make a complete and accurate disclosure of all tax irregularities in exchange for immunity from criminal prosecution for those disclosed matters. The CDF requires you to: • Cooperate fully throughout the investigation • Provide all requested information • Pay the tax, interest, and penalties due The facility covers all tax heads (Income Tax, Corporation Tax, VAT, Capital Gains Tax, etc.) and typically examines 20+ years of tax history. HMRC calls this 'putting your tax affairs in order' but it's actually a comprehensive forensic review of your entire financial life. The CDF doesn't prevent criminal prosecution for non-disclosed matters or for providing false information during the disclosure process. Contact [PaulaPayen@parousia-accounting.com](mailto:PaulaPayen@parousia-accounting.com) to discuss your CDF strategy.

Question 4

What happens if I reject the CDF offer?

Accepted Answer

Rejecting the CDF offer means declining the immunity from criminal prosecution that HMRC has offered. Once rejected, HMRC will continue their investigation without the protection of the CDF framework. They will typically refer your case to their Fraud Investigation Service for potential criminal prosecution. The burden of proof in criminal tax cases is 'beyond reasonable doubt'—much higher than civil investigations. If HMRC cannot meet this criminal standard, they may still pursue civil penalties under Code of Practice 8, but you lose the structured settlement process the CDF provides. Some taxpayers reject CDF when they believe HMRC lacks sufficient evidence to prosecute, or when they genuinely believe they haven't committed fraud. However, rejection is extremely high-risk and should only be considered after detailed analysis of HMRC's evidence and your exposure. Once rejected, you cannot later accept the CDF—this decision is irreversible. Before making this critical decision, [schedule a consultation](/contact) with our COP 9 specialists to evaluate your options.

Question 5

Can HMRC send me to prison for tax fraud?

Accepted Answer

Yes, HMRC has criminal investigation powers and can prosecute tax fraud cases leading to prison sentences. Tax fraud is a criminal offense under UK law, with maximum sentences of seven years for common tax offenses and up to life imprisonment for the most serious cases involving organized crime. HMRC secures hundreds of criminal convictions annually, with average sentences ranging from 18 months to 4 years for deliberate tax evasion. The COP 9 Contractual Disclosure Facility exists specifically to offer immunity from this criminal prosecution risk. However, this immunity only applies if you make a complete, accurate disclosure of all irregularities. Partial disclosures, false statements, or concealing assets during the CDF process can result in prosecution. HMRC works closely with the Crown Prosecution Service on criminal cases and has specialist fraud investigation teams with police-like powers including search warrants and arrests. If you're facing potential criminal prosecution, contact [PaulaPayen@parousia-accounting.com](mailto:PaulaPayen@parousia-accounting.com) immediately to protect your legal position.

Question 6

How much will a COP 9 settlement cost me?

Accepted Answer

COP 9 settlements vary enormously depending on the undeclared tax, but expect to pay: • The original tax owed • Interest (currently 6.5% annually) • Penalties ranging from 0-150% of the tax For example, if you owe £200,000 in undeclared tax over 15 years, you might pay: • £200,000 (tax) • £195,000 (interest) • £100,000 (50% penalty) • = £495,000 total Penalties are negotiable based on disclosure quality, cooperation level, and complexity. HMRC uses a sophisticated penalty calculation matrix considering disclosure timing, accuracy, and nature of the fraud. Many clients are shocked that interest alone can equal the original tax owed. Professional fees for COP 9 representation typically range from £25,000-£100,000+ depending on complexity, number of years, entities involved, and overseas assets. Time-to-pay arrangements are possible for settlements, typically spreading payments over 6-36 months with ongoing interest charges. [Contact us](/contact) for a confidential assessment of your potential settlement costs.

Question 7

Do I need a specialist solicitor for COP 9?

Accepted Answer

Yes—a COP 9 investigation is the most serious tax matter you can face short of criminal prosecution, requiring immediate specialist representation. This is not a routine tax dispute; it's a fraud investigation where everything you say can be used against you. Standard accountants, even excellent ones, rarely have the specialist expertise required for COP 9 work. You need advisors experienced in criminal tax investigations, CDF procedures, and HMRC negotiation strategies. At Parousia, we have 38 years of COP 9 experience and strategic partnership with Bark & Co solicitors for cases requiring legal privilege protection. We manage the entire process: • Reviewing HMRC's evidence • Advising on CDF acceptance • Preparing disclosure reports • Managing HMRC meetings • Negotiating settlements Specialist representation typically reduces penalties by 20-40% compared to unrepresented taxpayers, far exceeding the professional fees. The wrong advice in the first 60 days can be irreversible and catastrophic. Email [PaulaPayen@parousia-accounting.com](mailto:PaulaPayen@parousia-accounting.com) to discuss specialist representation for your COP 9 case.

Question 8

How long does a COP 9 investigation take?

Accepted Answer

COP 9 investigations typically take 18-36 months from initial letter to final settlement, though complex cases involving overseas assets or multiple entities can extend to 4+ years. The process has distinct phases: • 60 days for initial response • 3-6 months for Outline Disclosure • 6-12 months for comprehensive disclosure report preparation • 6-12 months for HMRC review, meetings, and information requests • 3-6 months for penalty negotiation and settlement The timeline depends heavily on disclosure complexity, cooperation quality, and HMRC workload. Cases involving cryptocurrency, offshore structures, or missing records take longer. HMRC can pause the investigation if you fail to provide information, stopping the clock indefinitely. The CDF contract requires you to actively progress the disclosure—delays work against you in penalty negotiations. Fast, comprehensive disclosure typically results in lower penalties and faster resolution. [Contact us](/contact) to discuss how we can expedite your case while minimizing penalties.

Question 9

What records do I need for a COP 9 disclosure?

Accepted Answer

You need complete financial records covering your entire period of irregularity—typically 15-20 years. This includes: • Bank statements (all personal and business accounts) • Credit card statements • Investment statements • Property purchase/sale documentation • Loan agreements • Business accounts • VAT records • Payroll records • Dividend vouchers • Correspondence with previous accountants • Overseas bank statements • Trust documentation • Records of cash transactions For offshore matters, you need statements from all foreign accounts and structures. If records are incomplete, you must provide a reasonable reconstruction using alternative evidence: lifestyle analysis, asset purchases, business cash flow, or third-party records. HMRC expects you to obtain missing bank statements from financial institutions—they can subpoena these if you don't. Incomplete records don't excuse you from disclosure; you must use best estimates with clear explanations of methodology. Digital forensics may be needed for deleted records or cryptocurrency transactions. Contact [PaulaPayen@parousia-accounting.com](mailto:PaulaPayen@parousia-accounting.com) for guidance on record reconstruction and disclosure preparation.

Question 10

Will HMRC investigate my family or business partners?

Accepted Answer

HMRC typically focuses COP 9 investigations on individuals they believe committed fraud, but connected parties face scrutiny if they benefited from or participated in the irregularities. Spouses may be investigated if they received income or assets from undeclared sources, or if joint bank accounts were used. Business partners face investigation if they were involved in suppressing business income or claiming false expenses. HMRC can issue COP 9 letters to multiple parties simultaneously in connected cases. Family members who were genuinely unaware of tax fraud are rarely pursued, but they may be questioned as witnesses. Disclosure should identify all parties who benefited from undeclared income, as failing to disclose a connected party's involvement can invalidate your CDF immunity. In partnership or corporate cases, each partner/director receives their own investigation and must make separate disclosures, even for the same underlying transactions. If you're concerned about connected party investigations, [schedule a confidential consultation](/contact) to discuss protective strategies for your family and business partners.

Question 11

Can I continue working during a COP 9 investigation?

Accepted Answer

Yes, COP 9 investigations don't prevent you from continuing your employment or running your business. However, certain professionals face regulatory disclosure obligations. Professionals who may need to report the investigation to their professional bodies: • Solicitors • Accountants • Doctors • Financial advisors This may potentially affect practicing certificates. Company directors should inform fellow directors of the investigation if it relates to company tax matters. If your investigation involves VAT fraud or business tax suppression, HMRC may require: • Additional security • More frequent VAT returns Banking relationships can be affected—some banks close accounts when they learn of fraud investigations. You must maintain accurate records during the investigation and ensure ongoing tax compliance. Most clients continue working throughout, though the investigation's stress and time demands are substantial. Professional reputation impact varies by industry and becomes public only if criminal prosecution occurs. For advice on managing professional obligations during your investigation, email [PaulaPayen@parousia-accounting.com](mailto:PaulaPayen@parousia-accounting.com).

Question 12

What is the success rate of COP 9 settlements?

Accepted Answer

Over 95% of COP 9 cases that enter the CDF process result in civil settlement rather than criminal prosecution, provided the disclosure is complete and honest. However, 'success' is relative—you still pay substantial tax, interest, and penalties. HMRC prosecutes approximately 5% of COP 9 cases where they discover: • Undisclosed matters after CDF acceptance • Evidence of ongoing fraud during the investigation • Demonstrably false statements in the disclosure The key to successful settlement is comprehensive disclosure from the start—holding back information hoping HMRC won't discover it is the primary cause of prosecution. Well-prepared disclosures with specialist representation typically achieve penalty ranges of 30-70% depending on circumstances, compared to 100-150% for poor-quality disclosures. The genuine success measure is minimizing financial exposure while maintaining the prosecution immunity protection throughout the process. Early specialist involvement significantly improves outcomes. [Contact our COP 9 specialists](/contact) to maximize your chances of successful settlement with minimum penalties.

COP 9 Fraud
Investigations

Understanding COP 9 & the CDF

Immunity Opportunity

Critical Decision

Serious Consequences

Our Strategic Partnership

Parousia's Role

Bark & Co's Role

Received a COP 9 Letter?

COP 9 Investigation Frequently Asked Questions

COP 9 Fraud
Investigations

Understanding COP 9 & the CDF

Immunity Opportunity

Critical Decision

Serious Consequences

Our Strategic Partnership

Parousia's Role

Bark & Co's Role

Received a COP 9 Letter?

COP 9 Investigation Frequently Asked Questions

COP 9 FraudInvestigations

Understanding COP 9 & the CDF

Immunity Opportunity

Critical Decision

Serious Consequences

Our Strategic Partnership

Parousia's Role

Bark & Co's Role

Received a COP 9 Letter?

COP 9 Investigation Frequently Asked Questions

What is a COP 9 investigation?

How long do I have to respond to a COP 9 letter?

What is the Contractual Disclosure Facility (CDF)?

What happens if I reject the CDF offer?

Can HMRC send me to prison for tax fraud?

How much will a COP 9 settlement cost me?

Do I need a specialist solicitor for COP 9?

How long does a COP 9 investigation take?

What records do I need for a COP 9 disclosure?

Will HMRC investigate my family or business partners?

Can I continue working during a COP 9 investigation?

What is the success rate of COP 9 settlements?

COP 9 FraudInvestigations

Understanding COP 9 & the CDF

Immunity Opportunity

Critical Decision

Serious Consequences

Our Strategic Partnership

Parousia's Role

Bark & Co's Role

Received a COP 9 Letter?

COP 9 Investigation Frequently Asked Questions

What is a COP 9 investigation?

How long do I have to respond to a COP 9 letter?

What is the Contractual Disclosure Facility (CDF)?

What happens if I reject the CDF offer?

Can HMRC send me to prison for tax fraud?

How much will a COP 9 settlement cost me?

Do I need a specialist solicitor for COP 9?

How long does a COP 9 investigation take?

What records do I need for a COP 9 disclosure?

Will HMRC investigate my family or business partners?

Can I continue working during a COP 9 investigation?

What is the success rate of COP 9 settlements?

COP 9 Fraud
Investigations

COP 9 Fraud
Investigations