Pre-Contract screening asking about investigations by government agencies

[BS81]

I've recently received a verbal offer for a new contract with a bank. Within their pre-contract screening they ask a question about whether you have been subject to an investigation by a government body/agency.

As a user of an offshore scheme in 2006 (De Graaf/Montpelier) I have had an HMRC investigation.

1. Has anyone been rejected based on declaring something like this?
2. Do I need to declare this? I have never seen any questions like this on a pre-contract screening before and not sure they are entitled to this type of information. Surely tax affairs are private between an individual and HMRC.
3. Would an investigation of a scheme from over 10 years ago affect my chances of getting the contract?

The agent has advised I declare it but then decided they would need to discuss this with the client. I have not yet submitted my pre-contract screening forms.

[MrMarkyMark]

I've recently received a verbal offer for a new contract with a bank. Within their pre-contract screening they ask a question about whether you have been subject to an investigation by a government body/agency.

As a user of an offshore scheme in 2006 (De Graaf/Montpelier) I have had an HMRC investigation.

1. Has anyone been rejected based on declaring something like this?
2. Do I need to declare this? I have never seen any questions like this on a pre-contract screening before and not sure they are entitled to this type of information. Surely tax affairs are private between an individual and HMRC.
3. Would an investigation of a scheme from over 10 years ago affect my chances of getting the contract?

The agent has advised I declare it but then decided they would need to discuss this with the client. I have not yet submitted my pre-contract screening forms.

In my experience its best to tell the truth.

I have seen people walked offsite from banks, when their screening was found misleading in some way.

[BS81]

In my experience its best to tell the truth.

I have seen people walked offsite from banks, when their screening was found misleading in some way.

Thanks. I agree it probably is best to be truthful but just wondering what the likely outcome of that would be.

[MrMarkyMark]

Thanks. I agree it probably is best to be truthful but just wondering what the likely outcome of that would be.

I doubt its a deal breaker.

There must be plenty of people within banking being investigated in any case, schemes were widely used when I first started contracting in the sector.