Mel Whitney
Articles
Do you need to file FATCA? Guide to reporting foreign financial assets and exemptions
The Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) is a US law designed to catch tax evasion by Americans holding money and investments overseas. If you’re a US citizen or green card holder, it’s important for you to know whether you need to file, which assets you must report, and what happens if you don’t do that. In this article, we’ll br...
Form 1040 vs 1040-NR: how to choose the correct tax form
Not sure whether to file Form 1040 or 1040-NR? It’s about your tax residency, and the IRS rules are more complex than they seem. In this guide, we’ll walk you through who should file which form and how to determine your residency status. Whether you're an international student, visa holder, green card applicant, or US citizen living abr...
Form 7202: Your last chance to claim COVID sick & family leave credits in 2025
Time is running out. If you're self-employed and missed work due to COVID-19 in 2020 or 2021, April 18, 2025, is your final shot to file or amend a return using Form 7202 and claim valuable tax credits. After that, the door slams shut. This guide breaks down what Form 7202 is, who qualifies, how much money is at stake, ...
Form 8275: The unsung hero of tax disclosure
When it comes to tax returns, sometimes the best offense is a good defense. That’s where Form 8275 – Disclosure Statement enters the scene. It may not have the glitz of a refund calculator or the thrill of a tax treaty, but when a tax position is in a gray area, this humble form can mean the difference betwe...
Common international tax forms and foreign withholding forms: A guide for US taxpayers
As global business, investing, and living abroad have become common, so too has the need to understand international tax obligations. Whether you are a US citizen with foreign investments, a nonresident earning US income, or a business with international interests, knowing which international tax forms to file is essent...
Section 83(b) election: maximizing tax savings on stock-based compensation for startups and employees
The Section 83(b) election under the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) can be a powerful tax strategy for employees, founders, and others who receive stock-based compensation with a vesting sch...