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

Form 5471 Schedule J: Accumulated E&P and PTEP reporting guide for US shareholders

Schedule J of Form 5471 tracks the accumulated earnings and profits – known as E&P – of a controlled foreign corporation, or CFC. Schedule J is sometimes referenced as Form 5471 Sch J in IRS correspondence and practitioner shorthand. It separates previously taxed earnings and profits, referred to as PTEP, from non-previously taxed...

How to change your state of residence before moving abroad: A 2026 guide

To change state residence, focus on 5 core goals: choose a new domicile, establish real ties there, end key ties to the old state, update your records, and complete any required state tax filings. The detailed process below breaks those goals into 7 coordinated actions. A state-residency change before an overseas move is a state-law iss...

Form W-8ECI: Instructions, who must file, and how to use it in 2026

Form W-8ECI is the IRS certificate a foreign person files to certify that their US-source income is effectively connected with a US trade or business – allowing that income to be taxed at regular graduated rates instead of the flat 30% FDAP withholding rate. Under IRC Section 864(c), income qualifies as effectivel...

Foreign withholding tax: A complete guide for US expats in 2026

Foreign withholding tax is a tax deducted at source by a foreign government or a US withholding agent on income paid to nonresident aliens or US persons receiving foreign-source income. It is a mandatory deduction made before income reaches you. US taxpayers can often recover it through the foreign tax credit on Form 1116. Eve...

IRS Form 14653: A complete guide for US expats and offshore filers

What is Form 14653? Form 14653 is the IRS certification form us...

IRS Streamlined Foreign Offshore Procedures (SFOP): a comprehensive guide for expats

The Internal Revenue Service introduced the streamlined foreign offshore procedures to give Americans abroad a structured way to catch up on missed tax filings without facing severe penalties. Inste...