posted 9th December 2025
COP9 Tax Solutions – How We Help People Get Out of These Situations
Receiving a COP9 letter from HMRC is one of the most stressful experiences an individual or business owner can face. COP9 is not a routine tax enquiry. It is the highest level of civil investigation HMRC operates and is only issued when HMRC believes deliberate tax fraud has taken place.
However, and this is crucial, COP9 also gives taxpayers a rare opportunity: If you make a full disclosure under the Contractual Disclosure Facility (CDF), HMRC agrees not to pursue criminal prosecution.
At Tax Investigation Helpline, we specialise in navigating COP9 investigations, protecting clients from unnecessary exposure, and securing the safest possible outcome. With the right guidance, a COP9 case can be managed, controlled, and resolved without criminal consequences.
This article explains what COP9 involves, why acting correctly is critical, and how our COP9 tax solutions help people get out of these situations safely.
Get Immediate COP9 Tax Solutions
What Is a COP9 Investigation?
COP9 is used only when HMRC suspects deliberate tax irregularities. This could include:
- Underreporting income
- Suppressing sales
- Hiding funds across different accounts
- Falsifying records
- Offshore income not declared
- Payroll irregularities
- False expense claims
- Cash concealment
HMRC sends a COP9 CDF offer letter, giving the taxpayer around 60 days to decide:
1. Accept the CDF
Admit deliberate behaviour and make a full disclosure.
2. Reject the CDF
Deny fraud, with the risk that HMRC escalates the case to a criminal investigation if they believe dishonesty occurred. Both options carry serious implications, and choosing incorrectly can be damaging.
Why COP9 Is So Serious
COP9 is forensic. HMRC investigators can review:
- All bank accounts
- Business and personal transactions
- Overseas accounts
- Property records
- Crypto activity
- VAT and payroll records
- Third-party data
- Digital platforms and marketplaces
How We Help People Get Out of COP9 Situations
At Tax Investigation Helpline, we provide complete expert support, helping clients manage risk, disclose correctly, and defend themselves effectively.
1. We Analyse the COP9 Letter and Identify HMRC’s Real Direction of Travel
COP9 letters contain subtle signals about what HMRC suspects. We interpret:
- The behaviour HMRC believes occurred
- The years under scrutiny
- Which tax areas are targeted
- Whether HMRC’s assumptions are valid
- The potential exposure
This ensures you never go into COP9 blind or vulnerable.
2. We Advise Whether to Accept or Reject the CDF: This is one of the most important decisions of your life. We help determine:
- Whether HMRC’s suspicion is accurate
- Whether deliberate behaviour exists
- Whether full disclosure is the safest route
- Whether rejecting CDF can be defended
We guide you toward the option that strategically protects you.
3. We Prepare a Strong, Protective Outline Disclosure: If CDF is accepted, you must submit a summary of all deliberate irregularities. We craft this carefully to:
- Be complete but not overexpose you
- Keep HMRC’s scope under control
- Protect you legally
- Prevent misinterpretation
- Reduce penalties
4. We Manage the Full Disclosure Report. HMRC requires a comprehensive report covering all relevant years. We prepare:
- Financial reconstruction
- Tax and interest calculations
- Supporting evidence
- Behaviour explanation
- A structured format HMRC accepts
5. We Negotiate Penalties and Settlement Terms. COP9 penalties can be steep, but they are negotiable. We work to:
- Reduce penalty percentages
- Challenge any claims of concealment
- Downgrade “deliberate” to “careless” where possible
- Secure time-to-pay arrangements
- Prevent excessive liabilities
6. We Hold HMRC to Account — At Tax Investigation Helpline, we do not simply accept HMRC’s assumptions, interpretations, or accusations. COP9 investigations often involve:
- Partial information
- Misunderstood transactions
- Incorrect assumptions
- Behaviour classified too harshly
- Calculations that don’t reflect the full facts
We challenge HMRC at every stage, pushing back when:
- Their evidence is weak
- Their behaviour classification is unfair
- Their requests exceed legal powers
- Their version of events is incomplete or wrong
COP9 is all about knowing what to say, what NOT to say, and how to defend yourself.
Our job is to protect you, correct the narrative, and ensure your side is presented clearly and safely. This approach helps:
- Prevent escalation
- Reduce penalties
- Shorten the investigation
- Protect your rights
- Achieve the best possible outcome
With us in your corner, you have experienced professionals who understand HMRC’s tactics and know exactly how to respond with confidence. At Tax Investigation Helpline, our independent COP9 specialists guide you through every step, hold HMRC to account, and ensure your defence is strong, accurate, and expertly presented. We know exactly what to say, how to protect your position, and how to achieve the best possible result.
