Contractual Disclosure Facility
In July 2011, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) issued a Consultation Document in relation to tightening up the procedures for dealing with cases of suspected serious tax fraud which the department currently manages under the Civil Investigation of Fraud (CIF) code.
The Consultation Document asked for responses to a number of proposals by 20 September, later extended to 30 September.
The proposals include:
- a formal 'contract' for the CIF procedure, offered by HMRC to an individual suspected of tax fraud
- a structured approach that would make it easier for HMRC to terminate the contract for an individual who refused or ceased to cooperate
- a facility for an individual to make a spontaneous request to HMRC to enter into such a contract to disclose with no monetary (lower or upper) limits.
Those individuals who believe they have not committed fraud (or acted with deliberate intent to cheat the Exchequer) will be able to say they do not want a contract as fraud is not in point.
It is still envisaged that there will be an opening meeting with HMRC within 60 days at which a general disclosure will need to be made and that a formal more detailed disclosure report will need to be submitted, although subject to the specific issue, it may be a shorter report than under the current process.
Why should you contact us?
We have a dedicated team of former tax inspectors who have a significant amount of experience in handling civil investigations of fraud cases. We can assist in drafting the disclosure report quantifying tax risks and negotiating with HM Revenue & Customs.
Our specialist team can offer immediate support with a confidential free initial consultation.
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Call our helpline 020 7842 7200 for a free no obligation discussion or email investigations@crowecw.co.uk. Alternatively, please complete our enquiry form and one of our team will contact you.