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Barton W.S. Bassett

Partner

Barton W. S. Bassett counsels Silicon Valley–based and global multinational technology companies on international tax planning for the outbound operations of US companies doing business abroad, and for the inbound operations of foreign companies seeking to do business within the United States. Barton advises clients on structuring mergers and acquisitions (M&A), internal restructurings and operations, joint ventures, external and internal financings, and transfer pricing matters, including the transfers and licenses of intangible property.

resource resource

US Corporate Transparency Act

Understanding the complexities of the US tax system, Barton often represents clients in audits and appeals before the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). He also negotiates advance pricing agreements and pre-filing agreements for large and international companies seeking to avoid tax disputes.

Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business listed Barton from 2010–present.

Barton’s contributions to tax law extend beyond his practice. In addition to serving as a member of Law360’s tax editorial advisory board, he teaches an LL.M. course on international taxation at Golden Gate University in San Francisco. He also lectures to professional and industry groups on various topics relating to provisions of Subpart F, foreign currency, dual consolidated losses, the application of business purpose standard, transfer pricing, and double taxation conventions.

  • University of California, Davis, 1992, B.A., With Honors
  • University of California, Hastings College of the Law, 1996, J.D., Magna Cum Laude
  • California

Listed, The Best Lawyers in America, Tax Law, San Francisco (2025)

Listed, The Best Lawyers in America, Tax Law, Palo Alto (2023, 2024)

Recognized, Best Law Firms for Corporate Tax, United States (Highly Recommended), Leaders League and Décideurs (2021)

Ranked, Tax: International Tax, USA, Chambers Global (2021–2024) 

Ranked, Tax, Northern California, Chambers USA (2019–2024) 

Ranked, Tax, California, Chambers USA (2010–2019)

Recommended, Tax: US taxes: non-contentious, The Legal 500 US (2024)

Recommended, Tax: US taxes: contentious, The Legal 500 US (2014–2017, 2020–2024)

Recommended, Tax: Not-for-profit (nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations), The Legal 500 US (2020)

Recommended, Tax: Not-for-profit (Fortune 1000 private foundations, and national trade associations and charities), The Legal 500 US (2019)

Highly Regarded, Transactional Tax, United States, International Tax Review's World Tax Guide (2025)

Member, San Francisco & Silicon Valley Tax Firm of the Year, International Tax Review (2018)

Member, Practice Group of the Year, Tax, Law360 (2017)

Member, Editorial Advisory Board – Tax, Law360