Mel Whitney
Articles
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...
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...
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...