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

FinCEN Form 114: FBAR form filing instructions, who must file, and what to report

FBAR (FinCEN Form 114) is the Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts – a disclosure filed separately from your federal income tax return through FinCEN’s BSA E-Filing system, not with the IRS. If the aggregate value of your foreign financial accounts exceeds $10,000 at any time during the calendar year, you generally must file....

Delinquent FBAR Submission Procedures removed in 2026: how to file late FBARs now

The Delinquent FBAR filing procedures historically covered an FBAR-only probl...

Who is exempt from FATCA reporting? FATCA exemptions, thresholds, and exemption codes (2026)

Most US expats who ask whether they are exempt from FATCA reporting are not actually exempt – they are simply below the ...

FBAR penalties in 2026: amounts, violations, and when they are reduced

Most late FBAR cases do not automatically lead to maximum penalties. The biggest risk factor is whether the IRS sees the failure as non-willful or willful. ...

PTEP regulations explained: Previously taxed earnings and profits rules for US expats in 2026

Previously taxed earnings and profits, or PTEP, are amounts already included in a US shareholder's gross income that can be distributed tax-free when repatriated from a controlled foreign corporation. The exclusion is governed by ...