Maxwell A. Shapiro

My Approach

Most tax questions don’t have one right answer. Our role as tax counselors is to help clients understand and weigh the range of possibilities. My job is to help them find the one that fits. I work with businesses, investors, and individuals to make informed decisions in complex, uncertain spaces — where strategy and problem-solving matter just as much as precision.

I advise clients on a wide range of tax matters, with a particular focus on renewable energy transactions and the monetization of federal tax credits. My work includes structuring and negotiating tax credit transfer arrangements and advising developers, investors, and corporate buyers on the use of investment tax credits (ITCs), production tax credits (PTCs), and related incentives. I also maintain an active practice in research and development (R&D) tax credits, helping companies identify, document, and optimize incentives tied to innovation. Across these areas, I help clients navigate complex tax rules with practical, strategic insight that supports their broader business goals. I get to live vicariously through the incredible things my clients build and create. It’s deeply rewarding to see how thoughtful tax planning helps turn ideas into impact, whether that’s advancing clean energy development or supporting companies bringing new innovations to market.

Before joining Winthrop & Weinstine, I gained valuable experience in both the private and public sectors. I began my career in Big 4 accounting, advising clients on a variety of tax issues, and later worked in-house for a Fortune 50 company, where I managed tax matters from the business side. Those roles gave me a strong appreciation for the practical realities businesses face and reinforced the importance of balancing technical accuracy with sound business judgment.

Outside of work, I have two young children who are delightfully exhausting. Our family enjoys staying active, taking walks around the South Minneapolis chain of lakes, and finding new adventures wherever we can. I also enjoy playing basketball and spending time at the gym.