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Expertise:
  • Non-resident taxation
  • Real estate taxation
  • Tax optimization
Education:
  • Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
  • Humboldt State University

Mel Whitney, a valued Enrolled Agent (EA) with TFX, combines extensive tax expertise with a rich educational and personal background. His journey into the tax advisory field is underpinned by a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the Humboldt State University, a choice that laid the foundation for his distinguished career.

Mel's academic path was marked by a keen interest in tax law and financial strategy, which led him to pursue and achieve the prestigious EA designation, the highest credential awarded by the IRS.

In his role at TFX, Mel is dedicated to helping individuals and businesses navigate the complexities of the US tax code, specializing in services for expatriates. His 15 years of experience in the field is marked by a deep commitment to providing comprehensive, client-focused tax solutions that ensure clients achieve both compliance and optimization in their tax affairs.

Outside of work, Mel restores vintage BMW motorcycles and Volkswagens, and enjoys hiking and skiing near his home in the Cascades.

Mel is also deeply committed to lifelong learning, often attending seminars and workshops to stay ahead of the latest tax regulations and strategies.

His educational background, combined with his professional expertise and personal pursuits, make Mel Whitney a well-rounded individual and a valuable asset to the TFX team. His dedication to his clients, passion for his hobbies, and constant pursuit of knowledge define his approach to life and work.

Articles

IRS Streamlined Foreign Offshore Procedures (SFOP): a comprehensive guide for expats

The Internal Revenue Service introduced the streamlined foreign offshore procedures to give Americans abroad a structured way to catch up on missed tax filings without facing severe penalties. Instead of automatic fines, eligib...

FinCEN Form 114 requirements: Who must file and what to report

FBAR (FinCEN Form 114) is the Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts – and it’s filed separately from your federal income tax return through FinCEN’s BSA E-Filing system, not with ...

Capital gains tax on foreign property: How to report and exclusions you can use (2026)

US tax rules follow you no matter where you live. When you sell a home or land in another country, the IRS still wants you to report the profit. In simple words, you figure out how much money you made, convert the numbers into US dollars, and then apply the tax breaks that fit. If you sold in 2025 vs 2026: The year you ...

Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE): Complete guide 2026

The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion is one of the few tax rules that actually feels like a win for Americans abroad. Since the IRS taxes your worldwide income, knowing how much foreign income is tax-free can make a significant difference when most of your pay comes from work overseas. A quick note on tax years: the 2025...

IRS Form 8938: What it is, who needs to file, and why you shouldn't ignore it

2026 filing season update: Filing your 2025 tax return? Form 8938 requirements remain unchanged for the 2025 tax year. If your specified foreign financial assets exceeded the applicable thresholds at any point in 2...

FBAR filing requirements and deadlines in 2026

Whether you live in the US or abroad, if you hold an account in a foreign bank — whether savings, pension, or investment — you may be required to comply with FBAR (Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts) filing requirements. Many Americans are unaware that simply having a foreign bank account can trigger FBAR obligations. ...