Mel Whitney
- Non-resident taxation
- Real estate taxation
- Tax optimization
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
- Humboldt State University
Articles
IRS Form 14654 instructions for SDOP filing: How to certify non-willfulness under the domestic streamlined procedures
In 2014, the IRS changed the course of offshore compliance by launching the Streamlined Domestic Offshore Procedures – a relief path for US residents who had unknowingly failed to report foreign income and accounts. It offered a lifeline to those who made honest errors rather than deliberate omissions, replacing fear of massive penalties wi...
How to Use Head of Household Status to File Your Taxes
The head of household filing status is one that few people understand. But it is important to understand all of your filing options to minimize the taxes you owe. If you meet the criteria to qualify, a tax return for head of household can result in lower taxes than single status. This article will help you to understand how to qualify for h...
FBAR penalties in 2026: Everything you need to know
The penalty for failing to report your foreign bank accounts in 2026 could cost more than the accounts themselves, with willful FBAR penalties reaching $165,353 or 50% of the account balance per violation. FinCEN’s latest inflation adjustment and tighter enforcement, along with new court rulings, have made F...
Foreign tax credit carryover: A comprehensive guide for US expats
The foreign tax credit carryover allows US taxpayers to apply unused foreign tax credits to offset future US tax liability. Excess credits can be carried forward 10 years or back 1 year. This prevents loss of valuable tax benefits when foreign taxe...
Foreign Earned Income Exclusion vs Foreign Tax Credit: Which one should you use?
If you're a US expat earning income abroad, you face a critical question: should you use the Foreign Tax Credit (FTC), the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE), or both? The wrong choice can cost you thousands in unnecessary taxes or missed refund opportunities. Quick answer: The FTC usually work...
IRS Form 14653: A complete guide for US expats and offshore filers
For Americans living overseas, IRS Form 14653 is the required certification for the Streamlined Foreign Offshore Procedures that lets you catch up on missed filings without facing harsh penalties. The form includes a narrative state...