Mel Whitney

If you're a US expat earning income abroad, you face a critical question: should you use the Foreign Tax Credit (FTC), the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE), or both? The wrong choice can cost you thousands in unnecessary taxes or missed refund opportunities. Quick answer: The FTC usually works be...

US citizens and green card holders must report their worldwide income – no matter where they live or earn it. The IRS enforces strict rules on disclosing foreign income and offers compliance options such as the SFOP for eligible tax...

Money earned in 2025 is only part of your tax picture. The moment you keep savings, investments, or other funds outside the country, the IRS wants to see the full story. Many Americans abroad are surprised by how quickly foreign accounts become part of their yearly filing, which is why FBAR and FATCA play such an important role in staying complia...

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 that’s not the ...

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 vacati...

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...