Common Questions About HMRC Worldwide Disclosure Facility
What is the Worldwide Disclosure Facility (WDF)?
The Worldwide Disclosure Facility is HMRC’s process for declaring undeclared offshore income, assets or UK income. It allows you to bring your tax affairs up to date before HMRC launches an investigation, but the process can be complex without specialist guidance.
Who can use the Worldwide Disclosure Facility?
Anyone with a UK tax liability linked to offshore income, gains, or assets may need to use the WDF. This includes individuals, companies, and trustees. But each case is different, and professional advice is crucial to avoid mistakes.
What is an HMRC ‘nudge’ letter and what should I do?
A nudge letter means HMRC already has information about your offshore accounts. Ignoring it is risky and can lead to higher penalties or a tax investigation. The safest step is to seek expert advice immediately before responding.
How do I notify HMRC, and how long do I have to complete the disclosure?
You must register with HMRC and then have 90 days to prepare and submit a full disclosure, including tax, interest, and penalties owed. Because of the short deadline and complex calculations, most people need professional help to get this right.
Do I have to include incomes in the UK as well as offshore income?
Yes, HMRC requires disclosure of both UK and offshore income through the Worldwide Disclosure Facility. Leaving anything out, even by accident, can be treated as deliberate non-compliance and result in harsher penalties.
Can HMRC see offshore accounts?
Yes. Through the Common Reporting Standard, HMRC automatically receives data from more than 100 countries about offshore accounts and investments. This means hidden accounts are almost always detected, making voluntary disclosure the safer option.
How many years do I need to disclose to HMRC, and what is the 4-year rule?
Depending on the circumstances, HMRC can go back 4, 6, or even 20 years. Many taxpayers assume only four years apply, but in deliberate cases, HMRC will demand up to 20 years of records; however, a specialist can help reduce the exposure.
What penalties apply under the Worldwide Disclosure Facility?
Penalties vary widely but can be as high as 200% of the unpaid tax. By making a full and accurate disclosure with professional support, it’s often possible to reduce penalties significantly and avoid the most serious consequences.
Can I make an HMRC disclosure myself, or should I use a specialist?
Although HMRC provides an online portal, attempting to disclose without advice is risky. Errors, missing information, or misjudging the number of years to disclose can lead to severe penalties or a criminal investigation. Using a specialist ensures your disclosure is correct and defensible.
How will I know if HMRC is investigating me, and what happens if I ignore them?
Signs of an HMRC investigation include letters requesting detailed records or a Code of Practice 9 notice. Ignoring contact from HMRC usually results in maximum penalties and potential prosecution, which is why immediate professional advice is strongly recommended.