Languages

German, English

For over two decades, Stefan Winheller has been one of the leading experts in international tax law, foundation law, and complex asset structures. As founder and managing partner of WINHELLER, he advises high-net-worth individuals, entrepreneurial families, international investors, and tech and crypto entrepreneurs on the legally compliant structuring of global asset and corporate structures.

His focus is on strategic tax planning, the establishment and optimization of domestic and foreign foundations, support for relocation and immigration processes, and the legal and tax structuring of complex assets across all asset classes – from corporate investments to real estate and art to extensive crypto assets. Clients appreciate his ability to integrate tax, legal, and economic aspects and develop clear, robust solutions.

With his in-depth expertise in German, European, and U.S. tax law, his experience in crypto tax law, and his international network, he is a valued advisor for national and cross-border clients who require the utmost precision, discretion, and strategic foresight. Most of his clients come from Germany, the U.S., the Arab world, and Russian-speaking countries and regularly have assets of EUR 50 million or more.

Main areas of expertise

• International tax structuring and succession planning for entrepreneurs, investors, and family assets
• Establishment and optimization of foundations (private and charitable) in Germany and abroad
• Structuring of complex assets, including company holdings, real estate, art, and crypto assets
• Tax-optimized holding and investment structures
• Relocation, immigration, asset protection, and international compliance
• Criminal tax law advice, in particular voluntary disclosures and supplementary tax returns for international clients and crypto investors
• Advice for foundations, NPOs, and family offices

Reputation

• Spiegel bestselling author of “Vom Topverdiener zum Privatier”
• Recognized by JUVE publishers as one of only seven “leading names in consulting on foundation issues”
• Initiator and co-editor of the first comprehensive commentary on German nonprofit law (Nomos Publishing)
• Regular contributor to specialist books and journals on tax, foundation, crypto tax, and nonprofit law
• Managing founding partner with strategic responsibility for the further development of the WINHELLER law firm

Academic background

Stefan Winheller studied law with a focus on tax law, particularly at the Universities of Heidelberg and Cologne. After being admitted to the bar, he completed postgraduate studies in U.S. tax law at the Golden Gate University in San Francisco.

During his stay in the U.S., he deepened his expertise in the taxation of nonprofit organizations, foundations, and international structures – a basis that significantly shapes his consulting work today.

Entrepreneurial Commitment & Personal Life

In addition to his work as an attoeney, Stefan Winheller is active as a business angel, mentor, and early investor – particularly in the tech and AI sectors – and supports innovative business models with his tax and strategic expertise. He is also a member of the supervisory board of Honorarfinanz AG (a BaFin-regulated financial services provider) based in Karlsruhe.

Stefan Winheller is happily married and the father of three children.