Tax Investigation Helpline

What is COP8?

A COP8 investigation is launched when HMRC believes tax has been lost through complex arrangements that may not comply with tax law. This doesn’t necessarily mean fraud, but HMRC believes significant amounts of tax are at stake.

These enquiries often involve:

• Tax avoidance schemes.
• Aggressive planning arrangements.
• Use of offshore structures.
• Complicated trusts or company structures.

While COP8 is not an accusation of fraud, the investigations can be wide-ranging and extremely intrusive.
What is COP9? A COP9 investigation is far more serious. It is used where HMRC suspects deliberate tax fraud or evasion. HMRC may offer you the chance to enter the Contractual Disclosure Facility (CDF), which allows you to admit deliberate errors in exchange for immunity from criminal prosecution. If you do not cooperate, HMRC may pursue criminal charges.

What’s at Risk in COP8 and COP9 Investigations The risks associated with these investigations are severe:

• Large backdated tax liabilities, often covering many years.
• Substantial penalties, which can be far higher than in normal enquiries.
• Criminal prosecution, particularly in COP9 cases where cooperation is refused.
• Reputational damage, both personally and for your business.
• Disruption and stress, as HMRC has broad powers to demand documents and information.

How We Help

At Tax Investigation Helpline, we have the specialist knowledge required to handle COP8 and COP9 investigations.

Our service includes:

• Immediate assessment: We explain your options and what HMRC’s letter really means.
• Representation: We deal directly with HMRC, ensuring your rights are protected throughout.
• Strategic advice: For COP9 cases, we advise whether to enter the Contractual Disclosure Facility and how to make a full and accurate disclosure.
• Detailed review: We examine your financial and tax affairs, preparing the strongest possible defence.
• Negotiation and settlement: We work to reduce penalties and protect you from unnecessary liabilities.

Our goal is always to achieve the best possible outcome, whether that means defending you against HMRC’s claims or negotiating a fair settlement.

Common Scenarios We See From our experience, COP8 and COP9 cases often involve:

• Complex offshore tax structures.
• Aggressive tax avoidance schemes.
• Undeclared overseas income or assets.
• Significant discrepancies between declared income and lifestyle.
• Inheritance tax and trust arrangements challenged by HMRC.

These cases are complex and require specialist expertise to navigate successfully.

Don’t Face HMRC Alone COP8 and COP9 investigations are among the most serious actions HMRC can take. The consequences of handling them incorrectly are severe — including possible criminal charges. Attempting to manage them without expert support puts you at significant risk.

At Tax Investigation Helpline, we’ve successfully supported clients through both COP8 and COP9 cases. We understand how HMRC operates and how to protect you during these difficult investigations.