James W. "Jim" Forsyth

James W. "Jim" Forsyth


Cozen O'Connor

Recognized since 2017

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Practice Areas

Tax Law

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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.

Location
  • One Oxford Centre, 41st Floor
    301 Grant Street
    Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Education
  • University of Florida, LL.M., graduated 1989
  • West Virginia University, J.D. , graduated 1986
  • West Liberty University, B.S., graduated 1983
Bar Admissions
  • Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Bar
  • West Virginia, West Virginia Bar
Affiliations
  • American Bar Association Section of International Law, - Tax Section
  • American Institute of Certified Public Accountants - Member
  • Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania - Past Member, Board of Trustees
  • Bloomberg BNA Corporate Taxation Advisory Board - Member
  • Bloomberg BNA Real Estate Advisory Board - Member
  • West Virginia Society for Certified Public Accountants - Member
  • West Virginia University College of Law - Past Adjunct Professor
  • West Virginia University Foundation Planned Giving Advisory Committee - Pittsburgh
Court Admissions
  • U.S. Supreme Court
  • U.S. Tax Court

Cozen O'Connor
Headquarters: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

156 The Best Lawyers in America® awards

92 Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America awards

Visit Website View Firm Profile

Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2023 - Tax Law Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2020 - Tax Law
Named "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers® for:
  • Tax Law, Pittsburgh (2023)
  • Tax Law, Pittsburgh (2020)
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2025 for work in:
  • Tax Law
Awards:
  • The Best Lawyers in America, 2017, 2019
  • Pittsburgh's Top Rated Lawyers for Business
  • Legal Intelligencer, Corporate and Taxation Law
Additional Areas of Practice:
  • Corporate Law
  • Energy Law
  • Oil and Gas Law

Publications

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