Tax appeals and disputes

Tax controversies can disrupt operations and carry severe financial consequences. At Kayrouz & Associates, we help clients navigate tax audits, challenge assessments, and resolve disputes with UAE tax authorities and regional bodies.

Practice Overview

Disputes with tax authorities require a sophisticated understanding of both fiscal regulations and administrative procedures. At Kayrouz & Associates, we represent clients in direct and indirect tax matters, including VAT, corporate income tax, customs duties, and penalties imposed by the Federal Tax Authority (FTA).

Our lawyers support clients through every stage of the tax dispute process—from audit response and voluntary disclosures to objections, appeals, and litigation. We ensure procedural compliance and prepare technical arguments that address both legal interpretation and accounting implications.

When clients face assessments or penalties they believe are unjust, we evaluate the legal and factual basis of the dispute and engage directly with the tax authority. We pursue settlement where possible, and are fully prepared to litigate before the Tax Dispute Resolution Committee or competent courts when needed.

Our practice is proactive as well as reactive. We advise on structuring transactions and tax positions to reduce risk of challenge and support clients during audits and investigations to avoid escalation.

We offer legal advice on a wide spectrum of matters:

  • Preparing and submitting formal objections to tax assessments
  • Representing clients before the Tax Dispute Resolution Committee
  • Advising on VAT and corporate tax penalties
  • Challenging customs and excise duty decisions
  • Handling tax issues for cross-border transactions
  • Engaging with auditors and government investigators during tax reviews
  • Meet Our Team

    Our team is equipped to handle complex legal matters with precision and care. Learn more about our lawyers below.

    Pierre Kayrouz

    Chief Legal Officer
    Maria Valeyeva

    Maria Valeyeva

    Chief Compliance Officer
    Georges Touma

    Georges Touma

    Head Litigator
    Hanan Ahmed Al Balushi

    Hanan Ahmed

    Practicing Lawyer
    Lathamani Chandrashekar

    Lathamani Chandrashekar

    Senior Corporate Counsel
    Arka Navle

    Arka Navle

    Corporate Counsel
    Nashita Nazneen

    Nashita Nazneen

    Junior Corporate Counsel
    Professor Mark Engelman

    Mark Engelman

    Intellectual Property Barrister
    Rita Semaan

    Rita Semaan

    Legal Consultant
    Carlos Rahme

    Carlos Rahme

    Senior Legal Consultant
    Souhad Al Ghorayeb

    Souhad Al Ghorayeb

    Senior Legal Consultant
    Sandy Y. Geagea

    Sandy Geagea

    Legal Consultant
    Saeed Gaber

    Saeed Gaber

    Legal Research Analyst
    Muhammed Ali Charif

    Muhammed Ali Charif

    Junior Legal Counsel
    Jenifer Abu Nasr

    Jenifer Abu Nasr

    Paralegal
    Patricia Abi Mansour

    Patricia Abi Mansour

    Business Development Manager
    Valakshmi Balasubramanian

    Varalakshmi Balasubramanian

    Operations Assistant
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