Mel Whitney
Articles
FBAR vs. Form 8938: a detailed guide to key differences and filing thresholds
Handling foreign financial exposure as a US expat means getting FBAR and Form 8938 right, not just hoping you’ll be safe. We lay out the firm requirements for each, walk through threshold triggers in straightforward language, and compare both paths so you know your filing strategy. It’s designed for clarity, not tax-jargon overload.</...
Understanding the foreign tax credit: A comprehensive guide for US taxpayers abroad
Years of careful saving abroad can lose their shine when the same income is taxed twice – once overseas and again by the IRS. That moment of frustration has a fix, known as, foreign tax credit, which bridges two tax systems, cutting what you owe to the IRS and protecting the value of your foreign income. From a single dividend to complex ov...
Streamlined Foreign Offshore Procedures (SFOP): complete 2026 guide
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) introduced the Streamlined Foreign Offshore Procedures to give Americans abroad a fair way to catch up on missed tax filings without facing crushing fines. Instead of penalties, eligible taxpayers can come forward, submit the required filings, and settle only the tax and interest due. This guide walks ...
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 ...
FBAR penalties in 2026: Everything you need to know
The penalty for failing to report your foreign bank accounts in 2025 could cost more than the accounts themselves, with willful FBAR penalties reaching $165,353 or 50% of the account balance per violation. FinCEN’s latest inflation adjustment and tighter enforcement, along with new court rulings, have made FBAR compliance riskier ...