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Tax Investigations

Calm, expert handling of HMRC enquiries and disclosures — led by an adviser who used to be an Inspector.

At a glance

Help with HMRC enquiries, investigations and voluntary disclosures, led by Rob Osborne CTA, a former HMRC Senior Tax Inspector and Fraud Investigator.

Who this is for

  • •Anyone who has received an HMRC enquiry or nudge letter
  • •People with undeclared income or gains, including overseas income or crypto
  • •Businesses facing an HMRC compliance check
  • •Anyone unsure whether something needs to be disclosed

What is involved

We review HMRC's letter or your position in confidence, explain your options and the likely outcome, then handle the correspondence and any disclosure with HMRC on your behalf, aiming for a fair settlement with the lowest penalties available.

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What we offer

  • HMRC enquiry support and representation
  • Tax disclosure guidance
  • Worldwide Disclosure Facility expertise
  • Code of Practice 9 (COP9) and Contractual Disclosure Facility cases
  • Investigation risk assessment
  • Negotiation with tax authorities
  • Resolution and settlement services

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Expert representation

In your corner, from first letter to final settlement.

Facing an HMRC investigation can be stressful and time-consuming. Our experienced team has extensive expertise in handling tax enquiries and voluntary disclosures, representing clients before HMRC and achieving favourable outcomes.

We've successfully guided dozens of clients through the Worldwide Disclosure Facility and other complex investigation procedures. Our strategic approach combines technical expertise with strong negotiation skills to achieve swift and equitable resolutions while minimising penalties and protecting your interests.

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COP9 investigations

Code of Practice 9 (COP9) is the procedure HMRC uses when it suspects tax fraud. Under it, HMRC offers the Contractual Disclosure Facility (CDF): if you admit to deliberate conduct and make a full disclosure, HMRC agrees not to start a criminal investigation into the conduct you disclose.

The outline disclosure shapes the whole case, so how you respond matters. Rob was a Fraud Investigator at HMRC, so he knows how these cases are run from the inside. You can also ask HMRC to use the CDF before it contacts you.

  • HMRC's COP9 letter offers the Contractual Disclosure Facility and gives you 60 days to respond
  • Accepting means making an outline disclosure that admits deliberate conduct
  • A detailed disclosure report and certificates of full disclosure follow
  • HMRC then agrees the tax, interest and penalties due

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In Rob's words

Rob Osborne CTA, Director

Rob Osborne CTA

Chartered Tax Adviser and former HMRC Senior Tax Inspector

I spent years on the other side of the table. As a Senior Tax Inspector and Fraud Investigator at HMRC, I selected cases for enquiry, ran investigations and judged whether the explanations and disclosures in front of me were credible. I later worked at EY, advising clients rather than investigating them. I know how HMRC builds a case, what it is looking for and when it is ready to settle.

A letter from HMRC is unsettling, and the natural reaction is either to reply straight away or to say as little as possible. Neither helps. The way a case is handled at the start often shapes how it ends.

My approach is calm, thorough, prepared and steadfast. We take stock before anything goes back to HMRC. We work through the records properly, so there are no surprises. We go into every letter and meeting knowing the facts, the figures and the questions HMRC is likely to ask. And we stay the course: cooperative and courteous with HMRC, but firm where the law and the facts are on your side, until the matter is settled fairly.

Rob Osborne CTA, Director

Calm

Nothing goes back to HMRC until we have taken stock. Every response is considered, never rushed.

Thorough

We work through the records in full and find the weak points before HMRC does.

Prepared

Before every letter and meeting, we know the facts, the figures and the questions HMRC is likely to ask.

Steadfast

Courteous and cooperative, but firm where the law and the facts are on your side, through to settlement.

Latest insights

All articles by Rob Osborne CTA

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

I have received an HMRC enquiry letter — what should I do?
Do not respond to HMRC directly without taking advice first. Contact us as soon as possible so we can review the letter, manage the enquiry on your behalf and protect your position.
What is the Worldwide Disclosure Facility?
It is HMRC's route for voluntarily disclosing unpaid UK tax on offshore income, gains or assets. We can help you make a complete and accurate disclosure through it.
What is COP9?
Code of Practice 9 is the procedure HMRC uses when it suspects tax fraud. It offers the Contractual Disclosure Facility (CDF): if you admit to deliberate conduct and make a full disclosure, HMRC agrees not to start a criminal investigation into the conduct you disclose. You can also ask HMRC to use the CDF before it contacts you.
HMRC has sent me a COP9 letter. What should I do?
Take advice straight away. You have 60 days to accept or reject the offer, and the outline disclosure you make if you accept is central to how the case is handled. If you reject the offer or do not respond, HMRC may start a criminal investigation. We can review the position in confidence and help you decide how to respond.
Can you represent me in negotiations with HMRC?
Yes. We handle correspondence and negotiations with HMRC, aiming to reach a fair resolution while minimising penalties and stress for you.
Is my enquiry confidential?
Yes. We handle every matter in strict confidence and only communicate with HMRC with your authority.
How long does an HMRC enquiry take?
It varies. Straightforward enquiries can close in a few months; complex ones can take longer. We keep the process moving, deal with HMRC's requests and give you a clear sense of timing throughout.
Will I have to pay penalties?
Penalties depend on the behaviour involved and how cooperative you are. A complete, voluntary disclosure made with our help is usually treated far more leniently than one HMRC has to chase.
Can you help if I have already responded to HMRC?
Yes. Even if you have already replied, we can step in, review what has been said and take over the correspondence going forward to protect your position.

Expert help when you need it

Get professional support for HMRC enquiries and tax disclosures.

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or send a short enquiry

We reply to every enquiry within 24 hours, in confidence. Prefer email? hello@rmhoconsulting.com

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