Prateek Bothra

Corporate Tax, International Tax and Transfer Pricing

• Established tax function, creating policies and framework for the group and portfolio companies across diverse industries including banking, retail, real estate, investment advisory and fund management.
• Evaluated and availed freezone tax reliefs, ensuring compliance with substance, qualifying income and transfer pricing regulations.
• Established and implemented a group wide transfer pricing policy for accurate financial and tax reporting across entities.
• Facilitated end to end Corporate tax implementation, including registrations, computation of taxable income and filing of tax returns.
• Completed over 15 tax structuring exercises, assessing implications during investment and exit phases including capital gains liability and repatriation of profits and capital.
• Collaborated with external consultants and JV partners in USA and Europe for timely tax filings.
• Interpretation and application of Double Tax Treaties (DTT) to strategically minimize tax liabilities in cross-border transactions.
• Initiated cash tax savings exceeding USD 5 million through tax optimization strategies.
• Spearheaded tax due diligence and negotiated tax clauses for M&A transactions in collaboration with legal and transaction teams.
• Provided regular tax updates and conducted quarterly training sessions for stakeholders to discuss new updates and queries to facilitate informed decision-making.

Value Added Tax

• Streamlined timely preparation and submission of VAT returns for all group entities in UAE and KSA.
• Conducted mock audits to prepare entities for FTA audit and addressed gaps in data and process enhancements.
• Drafted internal memos highlighting potential tax risks to C-suite executives.
• Submitted Voluntary Disclosures (VDs) to rectify past inadvertent errors in VAT filings.
• Provided VAT advisories to all group companies, offering clear and actionable guidance.
• Assisted with preparation and submission of data to FTA for tax audits and leading discussions with FTA auditors.
• Developed comprehensive and tailored VAT manual while training teams on best practices.

• Advised and assisted clients on UAE Corporate Tax, Transfer Pricing, UAE and KSA VAT implementation and BEPS 2.0 initiatives.
• Led Corporate tax and VAT implementation assignment across fintech, financial services, oil and gas, and startups.
• Supported clients in ERP implementation, including tax code mapping and e-invoicing.
• Conducted Tax Health Checks to analyze past compliances and recommend remedial measures.
• Secured VAT refunds exceeding AED 50 million for clients in construction sector and exports.
• Assisted clients in litigation, including TDRC hearings and Federal Court representations.
• Drafted technical memos, clarifications and ruling requests for complex tax issues.
• Advised on the methods and application of Double Tax Treaty (DTT) and obtaining advance clearance.
• Conducted seminars on VAT, CIT/ Zakat, WHT, e-invoicing, tax audits, litigation for associations like ICAI, EIA, NAFL and Free Zone Authorities.
• Prepared regular tax updates and authored articles on various tax topics.

• Assisted clients with VAT/ CST, Excise and Service Tax Compliances and transition to GST.
• Involved in the implementation of GST including set-up of tax function in ERPs, vendor and customer communications, etc.
• Conducted pricing analysis for various products to assess GST impact and provided strategic advice.

• Prepared income tax, withholding tax, VAT, and service tax returns.
• Review and audit of financial statements.