Mel Whitney

Life as an active member of the United States Armed Forces can be as challenging as it is rewarding. Especially when it comes time to file a US income tax return. That can become for those who qualify – a US expat tax return. It is not uncommon for Military Personnel to be transferred to multiple bases both in the United States and abro...

When we hear the word “education”, we often think of children. But, education is broader than that, and learning should never end, no matter your age.  Regardless of whether or not you enjoy learning, education is not cheap these days, and if your education can be paid for by someone else - you’re in luck. Thankfully, even ...

Broadly speaking, "Au pair" is a French phrase meaning "at the par" or "at the peer" [level] and is used to describe someone who boards temporarily in someone else's home. The term takes on a very narrow technical definition in United States law, however, and carries with it various tax obligations. An au pair is a visitor to the US admitted unde...

The purpose of Section 199A deduction or Pass-through deduction is to provide some relief to small businesses by allowing the deduction of as much as 20% of income. This article will provide you with an overview of this deduction, and some watch-outs in claiming it. An Overview of Section 199A deduction  Passed...

New Yorkers - don’t pay sales tax for home improvement We all want a new bathroom, kitchen, or other improvement to our home. None of us, however, want to pay tax on these improvements. The good news is that you don’t have to (at least in New York, New Jersey, or Pennsylvania)...

Non-Resident Alien merchants selling goods on Amazon Non-US merchants from all over the world sell goods in the US via Amazon.com. Questions about the US tax consequences of this business activity are very common. The answer depends on the seller status (individual or...