Zubair Patel

Zubair Patel heads the Tax Steering Group in KPMG's MESAC Region. The Tax Steering Group is responsible for the growth and development of our Tax services across the MESAC region. He is also Head of Tax in KPMG's Kuwait member firm.

Areas of expertise

Zubair has significant experience in advising clients on their tax compliance matters, including registration with the Ministry of Finance in Kuwait for tax purposes, reviewing of agreements related to Kuwait operations, planning and selection of fiscal period, reviewing of tax declaration to be filed to KTA, and discussions with the 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.
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.
Zubair has negotiated finalizing of tax assessments and tax objections/appeals for clients, resulting in tax savings for clients. Most notably, Zubair was involved in negotiating a reduction in tax of over US$13 million for a UK-based franchise operator in Kuwait. Zubair has worked closely with the Ministry of Finance in Kuwait and has strong relationship with the tax authorities.
Zubair 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.
Zubair has also spoken at various Tax seminars held by KPMG from time to time.
Zubair has worked with a wide range of clients with different activities including Financial Services, Food and Beverage Production, Engineering Construction, Infrastructure, Distribution and Retail, Energy and Natural Resources, Airlines and Aviation Services, Logistics and Transport Services, and Diversified Family groups.