Zubair Patel

Zubair has over 20 years of professional experience gained in the UK and the Middle East. He leads the Tax & Corporate Services department for KPMG in Kuwait. Zubair has significant experience in the UK on the implementation and review of VAT systems and has assisted in VAT investigations and has provided various other VAT compliance and advisory engagements to clients on regional implications of specific transactions. He also has significant experience in advising clients on their tax compliance matters including registration with the Ministry of Finance in Kuwait for tax purposes, review of agreements related to Kuwait operations, planning and selection of fiscal period, review of tax declaration to be filed to Kuwait Tax Authority, discussions with Head of Tax Inspections / Tax Inspector over tax treatment of specific and material items which have been a point of contention between the tax authority and clients. He works closely with the Ministry of Finance in Kuwait and has strong relationship with the tax authorities. Zubair’s technical skills cover international corporate tax, M&A tax including tax due diligence, tax structuring and SPA assistance, tax risk management, transfer pricing and VAT advisory. He has worked with a wide range of clients with different activities including Financial Services, Food and Beverage production, Distribution and retail, Energy & Natural Resources, Airlines Resources, Logistics and transport services and Diversified Family groups. On a regular basis, Zubair advises major Kuwait based groups on tax efficient structures for outbound investment involving the application of appropriate tax treaties / holding company structures. He has worked in Kuwait and the Middle East region for a considerable time and is very familiar with the cultural and business landscape of the country and the region. He has also spoken at various Kuwait Tax seminars held by KPMG from time to time locally, regionally and internationally.