Mel Whitney

Expertise:

Non-resident taxation
Real estate taxation
Tax optimization

Education:

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
Humboldt State University

Mel Whitney, a valued Enrolled Agent (EA) with TFX, combines extensive tax expertise with a rich educational and personal background. His journey into the tax advisory field is underpinned by a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the Humboldt State University, a choice that laid the foundation for his distinguished career.

Mel's academic path was marked by a keen interest in tax law and financial strategy, which led him to pursue and achieve the prestigious EA designation, the highest credential awarded by the IRS.

In his role at TFX, Mel is dedicated to helping individuals and businesses navigate the complexities of the US tax code, specializing in services for expatriates. His 15 years of experience in the field is marked by a deep commitment to providing comprehensive, client-focused tax solutions that ensure clients achieve both compliance and optimization in their tax affairs.

Outside of work, Mel restores vintage BMW motorcycles and Volkswagens, and enjoys hiking and skiing near his home in the Cascades.

Mel is also deeply committed to lifelong learning, often attending seminars and workshops to stay ahead of the latest tax regulations and strategies.

His educational background, combined with his professional expertise and personal pursuits, make Mel Whitney a well-rounded individual and a valuable asset to the TFX team. His dedication to his clients, passion for his hobbies, and constant pursuit of knowledge define his approach to life and work.

Articles

1031 exchange foreign property: what US expats and investors must know in 2026

If you own investment real estate overseas, a 1031 exchange foreign property transaction can defer your capital gains when you sell – but it depends entirely on whether both properties are on the same side of the border. Under ...

International tax planning for US expats: strategies, structures, and compliance in 2026

International tax planning legally structures global income, assets, and business activity to manage worldwide tax while meeting US and foreign rules. For 2025 returns filed in 2026, two core tools are Form 2555 for the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion and Form 1116 for the Foreign Tax Credit. US citizens and Green Card holders generally...

Form 8288 instructions: FIRPTA withholding tax return guide

Form 8288 reports and transmits US tax withheld when certain foreign persons dispose of US real property interests. For a standard FIRPTA sale, the buyer or other withholding agent generally withholds 15% of the amount realized and files the return with the IRS within 20 days after the transfer date. Th...

How to report foreign assets to IRS: Form 8938 vs 3520 vs 5471 vs 8865

US expats with foreign bank accounts, overseas businesses, trusts, or large gifts from abroad typically need to file one or more international information returns alongside their regular Form 1040. The four main forms are Form 8938, ...

What is FATCA? The Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act explained for US expats

FATCA stands for the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act – a 2010 US law that requires foreign banks to report accounts held by US persons to the IRS and requires US taxpayers with foreign financial assets above set thresholds to file Form 8938 w...

FATCA penalties: what happens if you fail to report foreign assets?

For most US taxpayers abroad, FATCA penalties mean Form 8938 penalties. If you were required to file Form 8938 for the 2025 tax year and did not, the starting penalty is $10,000 (2025). It can reach $60,000 (2025) after an IRS notice if the problem is not corrected.</...