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

Form 1040 vs 1040-NR: how to choose the correct tax form

Not sure whether to file Form 1040 or 1040-NR? It comes down to your tax residency, and the IRS rules are more nuanced than they appear at first glance. Whether you're filing for the 2025 tax year in early 2026 or planning ahead for 2026, understanding your residency status is essential to choosing the correct form and avoiding costly mistake...

Read more 15 May, 2026

Consolidated FBAR filing for corporations: rules, examples, and instructions

A US entity that directly or indirectly owns more than 50% of one or more other entities required to report under the FBAR rules can submit one consolidated FBAR for the entire group. The report is filed on FinCEN Form 114...

Read more 15 May, 2026

Do foreigners pay taxes in the US?

Yes, a non-US citizen can owe US tax for the 2025 tax year if they are a US tax resident or receive certain US-source income. For tax purposes, “foreigner” usually means a non-US citizen, but the real question is whether the person is a resident alien, nonresident alien, or dual-status taxpayer. A resident alien generally re...

Read more 15 May, 2026

Section 1291 PFIC excess distribution rules explained for US expats

Section 1291 is the default PFIC tax regime for a US person who owns a passive foreign investment company and has not made a timely QEF or mark-to-market election. For the 2025 tax year filed in 2026, it can turn certain PFIC gains and distributions into a special tax-and-interest calculation on ...

Read more 15 May, 2026

How to avoid paying capital gains tax on inherited property

Inheriting property in the US doesn't trigger an immediate tax bill – under IRS rules, most inheritances aren't counted as taxable income when you receive them. The...

Read more 15 May, 2026

FATCA and CRS reporting: What US expats need to know

FATCA and CRS are two automatic financial account reporting systems that run in parallel. FATCA is a US law that requires foreign banks to report accounts held by US persons to the IRS, while the&n...