Tom Forbes, CPA, MST

Tom has been practicing in California for 35+ years, primarily in Orange County except for five years in Northern California. Tom practiced for nearly 17 years with Deloitte and more recently 3 years with PricewaterhouseCoopers where he served as a National Director of Specialty Tax Consulting; all prior to venturing into smaller firms and establishing his own practice with former partner Steve Phair. Tom joined the firm as Partner in January 2020 upon the merger of his practice, Phair Forbes, LLP.

Tom’s expertise and focus is primarily tax planning, consulting and compliance, including managing simple to complex tax savings or value-added projects. He enjoys helping clients locally, statewide and beyond achieve significant tax or financial savings; his clients include individuals, businesses and their owners or leaders in a variety of industries: real estate, service, manufacturing, financial services, entertainment, aerospace and defense. With years of tax, accounting, consulting, compliance and planning experience, Tom has a solid history of delivering high quality value-added services, as well as teaming, leadership and mentoring.

Tom believes in solid professional ethics, respect for quality control and strong risk management. He enjoys teaming with internal and external clients to support and encourage interdepartmental interaction as well as retaining and attracting top talent. Tom has a passion for teamwork and leading or assisting professionals and clients with experience while operating from a profit-center approach. Tom is committed to providing quality value-added services and receiving value for such service. Tom’s experience includes managing federal and state tax exams and appeals. Tom has demonstrated success developing, administering, and managing significant financial and tax savings projects.

Education

Master of Science in Taxation, Golden Gate University, 12/1998.
Bachelor of Arts in Economics, Accounting Emphasis; University of California, Santa Barbara, 6/1985

Certifications and Licenses

American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Corporate Tax Section; 1987 to Present.

California Society of Certified Public Accountants; 1987 to Present.

California Licensed Real Estate Professional; California & National Association of Realtors®, Orange County Association of Realtors®; 2003/4 to 2010; not a current CAR, NAR or OCAR member List relevant certifications (CPA, etc.)

Practice Area and Expertise

Individuals, small businesses and their owners, executives.

Real Estate.