JW

James W. "Jim" Forsyth, Tax Attorney in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Pittsburgh, PA

Trusted tax attorney serving Pittsburgh.

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James W. "Jim" Forsyth is an attorney based in Pittsburgh, PENNSYLVANIA. The practice focuses on Tax.

Based in
Pittsburgh, PENNSYLVANIA
Experience
attorney
Known for
Tax
  • Handles Tax matters from Pittsburgh, PENNSYLVANIA.
  • Recognized with Lawyer of the Year — Tax Law (Pittsburgh) (2023).

About James W. "Jim" Forsyth: James W. "Jim" Forsyth is an attorney based in Pittsburgh, PENNSYLVANIA. The practice focuses on Tax.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by James W. "Jim" Forsyth

James concentrates on tax. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Tax cases in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

James takes tax matters in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.

Biography

About James W. "Jim" Forsyth — Attorney of Pennsylvania tax experience

James W. "Jim" Forsyth is an attorney based in Pittsburgh, PENNSYLVANIA. The practice focuses on Tax.

James W. Forsyth primarily works with business and corporate tax matters and the taxation of pass-through entities. He represents publicly and privately held enterprises in analyzing the federal, state, and local income tax consequences of corporate transactions, including corporate reorganizations, divisions, debt restructurings, joint ventures, and other business transactions.Jim devotes a significant amount of his practice to resolving taxpayer disputes with the Internal Revenue Service and with the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue. He particularly enjoys working with business clients to develop the practical solutions that will help them achieve their financial and operational goals.Jim is the author of BNA Tax Management Portfolio 765-4th "Stock Rights and Stock Dividends - Sections 305 and 306." BNA Tax Management Portfolios are often cited in federal tax cases as containing the most persuasive thinking on cutting-edge topics. This portfolio analyzes potential tax problems that could arise in connection with dividend distributions of common or preferred stock and stock rights. It provides a framework for analysis of the tax treatment of such distributions by analyzing the issues regarding when a distribution will be taxable; what factors must be considered in determining whether stock is common or preferred stock; when a distribution of preferred stock will be subject to taint under § 306; and the basis and holding period issues surrounding stock distributions. Jim is also co-author of the 2014, 2015 and 2016 Guidebook to Pennsylvania Taxes published by CCH.Jim has garnered an AV® Preeminent distinction, the highest available mark for professional excellence from Martindale-Hubbell’s Peer Review Ratings. Also, Jim was recognized in Pittsburgh's Top Rated Lawyers (2012-2017 editions) for Business, Corporate and Taxation law by The Legal Intelligencer. Jim has also been selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© 2017 and 2018 list.Jim earned his bachelor’s degree from West Liberty State College. Jim earned his law degree from West Virginia University and was Order of the Coif. Jim went on to earn his LL.M. in Taxation from the University of Florida.

How James handles tax matters

James W. Forsyth primarily works with business and corporate tax matters and the taxation of pass-through entities. He represents publicly and privately held enterprises in analyzing the federal, state, and local income tax consequences of corporate transactions, including corporate reorganizations, divisions, debt restructurings, joint ventures, and other business transactions.Jim devotes a…

The kind of cases James takes

James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for tax matters in Pittsburgh and the surrounding Pennsylvania area.

Credentials

James W. "Jim" Forsyth's legal education and bar admissions

  • University of Florida

    LL.M. · 1989

  • West Virginia University

    J.D. · 1986

  • West Liberty University

    B.S. · 1983

Jurisdictions

James's state bar admissions

  • Pennsylvania, Pennsy

    ACTIVE

  • West Virginia, West

    ACTIVE

James studied at LL.M. in University of Florida, J.D. in West Virginia University, and B.S. in West Liberty University.

Law school and academic background

James completed LL.M. in University of Florida, J.D. in West Virginia University, and B.S. in West Liberty University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice James runs in Pennsylvania is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of James W. "Jim" Forsyth

James has received 11 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • Lawyer of the Year — Tax Law (Pittsburgh)

    2023

  • Lawyer of the Year — Tax Law (Pittsburgh)

    2020

  • Best Lawyers in America — Tax Law

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Corporate Law

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Energy Law

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Oil and Gas Law

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Awards:

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — The Best Lawyers in America, 2017, 2019

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Pittsburgh's Top Rated Lawyers for Business

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Legal Intelligencer, Corporate and Taxation Law

    2026

Legal awards and honors

Lawyer of the Year — Tax Law (Pittsburgh) (2023). Lawyer of the Year — Tax Law (Pittsburgh) (2020). Best Lawyers in America — Tax Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Corporate Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Energy Law (2026).

Locations

James W. "Jim" Forsyth's office in Pittsburgh

James's primary office is at 301 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15219. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

301 Grant Street

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of James W. "Jim" Forsyth

James has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.

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Hiring guide

How to hire James W. "Jim" Forsyth — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new tax attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with James usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

James charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain James's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; James will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a tax attorney in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

A short list to run through before you commit: How many tax matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for James

James discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in tax practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every tax matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. James confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

James's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many tax practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about James W. "Jim" Forsyth

  • How much does it cost to hire James for a tax case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. James walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does James offer a free consultation?

    James charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain James's office. Some tax attorneys offer free consults — check James's current terms during booking.

  • How long do tax cases in Pennsylvania typically take?

    Simple tax matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. James gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can James take my case if I'm outside Pittsburgh?

    James is licensed in Pennsylvania. Matters governed by Pennsylvania law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — James will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

  • What should I bring to my first meeting with James?

    Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. James will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is James accepting new tax clients right now?

    James's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Tax attorneys serving Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and Harrisburg in Pennsylvania

James handles tax matters throughout Pennsylvania. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified tax attorneys in that community.