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A COP9 investigation is HMRC’s most serious civil enquiry. It sits one step below criminal proceedings. The decisions you make in the first few weeks determine the entire outcome of the case. Edge Tax are specialist COP9 advisers. We take control from day one.
Confidential · No obligation · Speak directly with a COP9 specialist
COP9 is all we do at this level. Not a general accountant.
We handle COP9 cases across England and Wales.
Initial consultation is free, private, and without obligation.
What is COP9?
A COP9 investigation is opened by HMRC when they suspect deliberate tax fraud. It is their most serious civil intervention.
HMRC open it under the Contractual Disclosure Facility (CDF). In exchange for full disclosure, you receive protection from criminal prosecution. The window to accept is 60 days.
Reject the offer, respond incorrectly, or make an incomplete disclosure and HMRC can withdraw the CDF and pursue criminal proceedings instead.
Urgency
Our approach
Why us
We focus on serious HMRC investigations. This level of case requires skills most general accountants do not have.
From your first call, we manage everything. You focus on your life; we deal with HMRC.
A poor disclosure increases penalties and prolongs the investigation. Ours are thorough and precise.
We understand where the civil and criminal line sits. Our aim is always to keep your case civil.
We agree our fees clearly at the outset. No surprises.
We have resolved COP9 cases involving offshore assets, multi-year irregularities, and high net worth individuals.
Get in touch
Complete the form and we will call you back, usually within two hours on business days.
Your information is confidential and will not be shared. See our Privacy Policy.
Mon–Fri, 9am–5:30pm
Broad Quay HouseBroad Quay, BristolBS1 4DJ
Call us directly. For COP9 matters we aim to respond the same day.
Common questions
HMRC treat non-response as rejection of the CDF. They can open a criminal investigation without further warning. The 60-day window does not extend.
COP9 cases require specialist knowledge of the CDF process, disclosure standards, and HMRC negotiation. Most general accountants do not have this experience. Instructing the wrong adviser significantly increases the risk of incomplete disclosure and higher penalties.
Most cases take between 12 and 24 months. Cases involving offshore structures or multiple entities can take longer. Strong case management from the outset reduces the timeline.
Not if the CDF is accepted and a full, accurate disclosure is made. Criminal prosecution is for those who reject the CDF or are found to have misled HMRC during the process.
Penalties are a percentage of unpaid tax. The rate depends on the type of behaviour, the quality of disclosure, and your level of cooperation. A well-managed disclosure can reduce the penalty percentage significantly.
Every day without specialist advice increases your risk. Call Edge Tax today.
Confidential · No obligation · Bristol-based COP9 specialists
