Mel Whitney
- Non-resident taxation
- Real estate taxation
- Tax optimization
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
- Humboldt State University
Articles
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...
How to file late FBARs in 2026: Delinquent FBAR submission procedures guidance
Delinquent FBAR Submission Procedures (DFSP) allow US taxpayers to file overdue foreign account reports without maximum penalties. If you missed FBAR deadlines for accounts exceeding $10,000 aggregate, DFSP provides a compliance path with typically $0 penalties if you have reasonable cause. This guide covers DFSP eligibility, acceptable...
FBAR fines explained: Failure to file, violations, and penalty mitigation options
The penalty for failing to report your foreign bank accounts in 2026 could cost more than the accounts themselves. Willful FBAR violation penalties reach up to the greater of $165,353 or 50% of the account balance. FinCEN's latest inflation adjustment and tighter enforcement, along with new court rulings, have made FBAR compliance r...
Form 1040-NR: A comprehensive guide for nonresident aliens
If you're earning income in the US but aren't a tax resident, you'll need to deal with Form 1040-NR. The form can feel like a maze of regulations and unfamiliar terms, but understanding it is necessary for staying compliant. This guide breaks down how Form 1040-NR works, so you can handle your tax obligations accurately and ...
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...