Mel Whitney
Articles
Foreign rental income tax guide: how to report, deduct expenses, and stay compliant
If you earn foreign rental income – whether from a vacation apartment in Spain, a family home in Mexico, or a long-term lease in Canada – you must report it to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Many Americans believe that paying taxes in the country where their property is located exempts them from US reporting requirements, but tha...
IRS Form 8840: closer connection exception to avoid US taxation
If you spend significant time in the United States but consider another country your home, you might be surprised to learn that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) could still classify you as a US tax resident – even without a green card. This often happens to business travelers, seasonal or temporary workers, and individuals who spend long ...
Foreign Housing Exclusion for US expats: Rules, limits, and how to claim
Updated for the 2026 filing season, this guide clarifies the foreign housing exclusion for US citizens and resident aliens who spent 2025 abroad. By unpacking which housing expenses qualify – and how the benefit dovetails with the foreign earned income exclusion – it empowers professionals, entrepreneurs, and retirees to trim their US...
US tax rules for resident and nonresident aliens: a complete guide
Whether you hold a Green Card, spend part of the year stateside, or simply earn occasional US income, your tax status – resident or non-resident alien – sets the ground rules, especially for tax purposes. If you’re a foreign employee, student, freelancer, or retiree with US ties, this guide delivers the essentia...
IRS Form 3903: The complete guide to claiming moving expenses for active-duty military
When it comes to taxes, deductions are a great way to reduce the amount you owe and potentially increase your refund. One such deduction that could make a big difference, especially if you’ve had to relocate for a job, is moving expenses. However, with the passage of the ...
Foreign property tax: what to know before buying or selling real estate abroad
Dreaming of a vacation home, planning a big move, or eyeing an investment overseas? Before you take the leap, it’s essential to understand how foreign property tax works – not just in your new country, but in the US as well. This guide is for US citizens, expats, and investors who want to avoid costly surprises and stay full...