When the HMRC suspects an individual of tax fraud they begin an investigation using the Code of Practice 9 (COP9) procedure to follow out and advance their enquiries. The COP9 is offered to those who HMRC have reason to believe have committed tax fraud or have given reason to trigger further investigation. The COP9 is only given to an individual in certain cases where, up to that date, no criminal proceedings have been enacted. At the point when the COP9 is enacted, the belief that tax fraud in various degrees has been untaken is still speculative; however on receipt of a COP9 it is recommended that an individual uses a professional tax accountant to further their aims in proving no tax fraud has taken place.  

Enquires into HMRC’s procedures with the Code of Practice 9 and resulting CDF can be made directly with the HMRC official handling your case or through the appointed accountant working on your behalf. It is up to the reciprocate of the COP9 to decide whether to work with HMRC by completing the CDF or if they would instead rather issue a rejection letter. During all COP9 investigations the normal payment of tax is continued and it is advised that any arrears that are present with a person’s tax are brought up to date as not to incur penalties on the interest that is due. In all cases, we recommend consulting our specialist tax accountant to assist with your tax investigation.