Archive for the Author ‘Stefan Winheller’

Stefan Winheller

Attorney Stefan Winheller has specialized in tax law for about 20 years, especially in the areas of cryptocurrencies, foundations/nonprofits and international tax law.

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BMF Letter on the Taxation of Cryptocurrencies in Germany: This Applies since March 2025

Jun 13, 25 • Crypto Assets • No Comments • Stefan Winheller

On March 6, 2025, the German Federal Ministry of Finance (BMF) published an updated letter on the income tax treatment of crypto assets, which replaces the previous letter dated May 10, 2022. Fortunately, the letter does not introduce any burdensome tightening […]
German Family Foundations with Foreign Beneficiaries: Beware of Tax Traps!

Nov 8, 24 • Assets, Foundations, Succession • No Comments • Stefan Winheller

Managing and planning international wealth through foundations is a complex task, posing a myriad of legal and tax challenges. This is particularly true for German family foundations with beneficiaries who are tax residents abroad, as they often face specific issues. To […]
EU Yacht Export: Customs and Tax Regulations

Oct 2, 24 • International Tax Planning • No Comments • Stefan Winheller

Yachts, often regarded as the playthings of the affluent, are frequently produced in European countries such as Germany, the Netherlands, and Italy. These nations are home to luxury shipyards like Lürssen in Bremen and Blohm + Voss in Hamburg, where the […]
Thailand’s New Tax Rules: How They Affect Foreign Income

Sep 12, 24 • International Tax Planning • No Comments • Stefan Winheller

Thailand, while a favorite vacation spot for many Germans, also holds allure for expatriates. Tax amendments in Thailand Thai income tax rates, although not exceedingly low, are unable to contest with rates in conventional tax havens like Dubai. These rates fluctuate […]
Cashing out Cryptos in Germany: Proof of Origin Necessary

May 13, 24 • Crypto Assets, Cryptocurrency taxation • No Comments • Stefan Winheller

Crypto investors looking to convert their digital currencies into fiat money, such as U.S. dollars or euros, and transfer the proceeds to their bank account, face the challenge of providing a proof of origin. This proof is essential to avoid suspicion […]
Crypto Investments in Foundations: Beneficial Tax Treatment of Staking Income in Germany

Apr 8, 24 • Assets, Foundations, Succession, Cryptocurrency taxation, German Tax Law • No Comments • Stefan Winheller

Large assets necessitate dependable, legally secure structures. Foundations, both charitable and family-based, have consistently played a significant role in the wealth planning of affluent individuals. Foundations can also provide various tax benefits, including those associated with crypto assets. Common goals among […]
Reform of The German Lobby Register: Numerous Measures to Tighten Regulations from March 2024

Feb 12, 24 • Compliance • No Comments • Stefan Winheller

The Lobby Register Act has been in effect in Germany for nearly two years, and the related register has been a hot topic since its inception. The objective is to monitor who is attempting to sway political decisions and legislation, and […]
EU Blue Card: Simplified Requirements for Applicants

Dec 20, 23 • Employment Law • No Comments • Stefan Winheller

What is the Blue Card? The EU Blue Card, comparable to the American green card, is a unique residence permit for qualified employees wishing to work in Germany. Any foreign employee can apply for the Blue Card. Since November 18, 2023, […]
Job Reference in Germany: No Right to a Thank-You and Closing Formula

Dec 20, 23 • Employment Law • No Comments • Stefan Winheller

Repeatedly, employees express dissatisfaction with their references. They may subsequently request their employer to revise the reference. If a reference is justifiably requested to be changed, the employer must not alter the content of a previously issued reference, including the thank-you […]
Optimizing Taxation in Germany with Investment GmbH/Asset Management GmbH

Sep 19, 23 • Assets, Foundations, Succession • No Comments • Stefan Winheller

In certain scenarios, an Investment GmbH (LLC) or an Asset Management GmbH can be the ideal legal structure for managing personal assets in Germany in a tax-efficient manner, ensuring their preservation for the longest possible duration of one’s lifetime. It is […]