A 20-year gap, resolved: Melendy’s journey back to tax compliance with TFX
“I would definitely recommend doing the streamlined filing procedure with Taxes for Expats. The process might not be fun, but they make it easy – and you’ll come out in good standing with the IRS.”
Melendy Britt, TFX client since 2016 (previously in Spain, now in Los Angeles)
Through the streamlined filing compliance procedure with Taxes for Expats, Melendy Britt brought her US tax filings up to date – and even received a refund. What began as something overwhelming quickly turned into a clear, organized tax compliance journey supported by trusted tax professionals.
Today, she continues filing her taxes with TFX each year: “I appreciate the easy filing system and know what I am getting,” shares Melendy.
In her own words, Melendy shares how she caught up on 20 years of unfiled tax returns and gained lasting peace of mind with the help of Taxes for Expats:
| Key facts | |
| Years unfiled | 20 |
| Countries | US, Spain |
| Filing method | Streamlined filing compliance procedure |
| Outcome | Full compliance, refund received, zero penalties |
| Current status | TFX client for almost 10 years |
We spoke with Melendy, and she told us more about her experience.
How over 20 years in Spain led to a tax surprise
When Melendy first went to Spain for a one-year study abroad program, she never planned to stay. But Madrid has a way of welcoming everyone like no other city in the world.
She met her future husband at Café Central, fell in love with the energy of the city, and after graduating, returned to build her life there.
Melendy began her career in marketing, made lifelong friendships, and raised two children in a warm, community-centered environment.
Like many Americans living overseas, she assumed that paying local taxes was enough.
“Filing taxes from abroad was never suggested nor talked about in the expat community,” Melendy recalls.
So for twenty years, she didn’t file US taxes because she genuinely didn’t know she needed to – a real expat experience shared by many.
Preparing to return to the US
In 2015, Melendy and her husband decided to move their family from Madrid to Los Angeles so their children could experience the other side of their family and heritage.
During the planning process, she learned that the IRS still expects annual tax filings from Americans living overseas.
To return home smoothly, she would need to catch up on two decades of US tax returns, along with documentation of her Spanish filings.
“When I started to investigate moving back home, I saw that US filing was needed – and that I would also have to show my Spanish tax filing records to catch up.” Melendy recalls.
"When an expat prepares to move back to the United States after many years abroad, catching up on US tax filings is essential. The IRS expects annual returns no matter where you live. If you wait until the IRS contacts you, you may no longer qualify for the streamlined procedures – and that’s when penalties can apply, including substantial FBAR penalties for unreported foreign accounts."
Wendy Christiansen, CPA and Tax Supervisor at Taxes for Expats
Finding the right tax support to get back into compliance
A friend had recommended a US-based accountant, but Melendy soon found that the streamlined foreign offshore procedure offered by Taxes for Expats was a better fit for her situation.
What stood out immediately was how clear, predictable, and professionally guided the process felt:
“Everything has been very smooth, and I appreciate that my case never seems too complicated, challenging, or unexpected. That’s the peace of mind I need,” Melendy says.
The outcome: full compliance, zero penalties – and a refund
Melendy’s actual results were even better than she hoped:
- fully compliant with the IRS
- no penalties – a penalty-free resolution
- a refund
Returning to Los Angeles felt lighter and more grounded, knowing everything was in order. “Just another part of adulting,” Melendy says with a smile.
While Melendy’s story is personal, it reflects challenges shared by thousands of Americans abroad. As Huntly Mayo Malasky, CPA and CEO at Taxes for Expats, puts it:
“Expats often discover they need the streamlined procedure when major life changes bring their tax situation into focus – like returning to the US after many years abroad, as in Melendy’s case. Many only learn later that the US taxes worldwide income, or realize they never filed FBARs or relied on incorrect advice from fellow expats or employers. Fortunately, the streamlined procedure is designed for all these situations where the non-compliance wasn’t willful.”
A filing routine Melendy trusts year after year
Since returning to the US, Melendy has continued filing with TFX annually. She has been a client since 2016. For her, the combination of consistency, clarity, and professional guidance makes yearly filing predictable and stress-free.
“I appreciate the easy filing system and know what I am getting. Price, efficiency, and peace of mind – that’s what they handle every day,” she says.
Streamlined filing with TFX: A penalty-free solution for unfiled US taxes
If you’ve missed a few years of filing, the IRS Streamlined Filing Compliance Procedure offers a safe, penalty-free path to get back on track – just as it did for Melendy. Designed for expats whose non-compliance was non-willful, this program allows you to catch up on overdue tax returns and FBARs without any IRS penalties.
The streamlined procedure provides full penalty amnesty, regardless of income level or how long you’ve been behind. To catch up, you’ll file 3 years of federal tax returns and 6 years of FBARs.
Our streamlined filing service includes:
- complete analysis of your situation and eligibility
- preparation and filing of 3 years of federal tax returns
- submission of 6 years of FBARs
- optional preparation of your non-willful certification and other required documents
With 20+ years of experience and 50,000+ clients worldwide, TFX has helped thousands of expats – including Melendy, Matthew, and many others – regain clarity, compliance, and peace of mind through this program. Our tax experts guide you through every step to ensure your filings are accurate, complete, and submitted correctly.
