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Jan 28, 2025
Understanding the foreign tax credit: A comprehensive guide for US taxpayers abroad
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Jan 28, 2025
Foreign earned income exclusion - FEIE
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Jan 23, 2025
What is double taxation: How it works & ways to avoid it
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  • Expatriation
    Federal Income Tax Return ($450)

    Form 1040 federal tax return package

  • Tax return check
    Expanded Income Bundle (+$75)

    For those with additional income sources beyond the Federal Income Tax Return.

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About Us
Featured reads
Jan 28, 2025
Understanding the foreign tax credit: A comprehensive guide for US taxpayers abroad
Read more
Jan 28, 2025
Foreign earned income exclusion - FEIE
Read more
Jan 23, 2025
What is double taxation: How it works & ways to avoid it
Read more
Read more articles
Services
Pricing plans
  • Expatriation
    Federal Income Tax Return ($450)

    Form 1040 federal tax return package

  • Tax return check
    Expanded Income Bundle (+$75)

    For those with additional income sources beyond the Federal Income Tax Return.

Compare all plans
Pricing
Tax Guide
Articles
Understanding the foreign tax credit: A comprehensive guide for US taxpayers abroad

Disclaimer ...
Jan 28, 2025

Foreign earned income exclusion - FEIE

Disclaimer ...
Jan 28, 2025

What is double taxation: How it works & ways to avoid it

In the world of taxation, one term that often causes confusion and concern is "double taxatio...
Jan 23, 2025

Capital gains taxes from selling foreign property: how to report and exclusions you can use

Disclaimer ...
Jan 14, 2025

What is FIRPTA? A guide for foreign sellers and US buyers

Disclaimer ...
Jan 10, 2025

FBAR penalties in 2025: Everything you need to know

Disclaimer ...
Jan 09, 2025

Form 1040-NR: A comprehensive guide for nonresident aliens

Disclaimer ...
Oct 15, 2024

Maximizing tax savings with the Foreign Housing Exclusion

Disclaimer ...
Jul 04, 2024

The art and finesse of filing Form 8833: Exploring treaty-based return positions

Disclaimer ...
May 06, 2024

Decoding FinCEN Form 114 [a guide for the perplexed and procrastinators]

Disclaimer ...
Mar 18, 2024

Recovery Rebate Credit: What it is and how to claim it [a final call 2024 guide for expats]

Don't assume you're ineligible just because you'...
Mar 13, 2024

Form 8832: A Comprehensive Guide to Entity Classification Election

In the realm of taxation, businesses are presented with myriad opportunities to streamline their t...
Feb 16, 2024

All articles
IRS 101
How to obtain a copy of past returns

Prior year transcripts - who to call, which forms to fill out, etc.
How IRS can find you abroad

A common misunderstanding is that US citizens abroad do not have to file tax returns
Expatriate tax audits

Audits are no fun, especially when the documents are not standard US tax forms; TFX can help
Tax penalties & interest

How the IRS computes tax, interest, and other penalties & what you can do to avoid them
Received IRS notice?

Scary IRS letters? We will help you debunk them and form an action plan to fix any issues
Can you e-file US tax return from abroad

TFX is an authorized e-file firm and e-files tax returns for taxpayers globally
How to pay IRS electronically from abroad

If you do have a tax bill, what are the ways you can pay the IRS?
How to file an amended return

We can amend prior filed returns to ensure you get the deductions & credits you are eligible for
IRS mailing addresses

In cases where E-filing is not permitted (IRS rules), we outline where and how to snail mail the returns
Can overseas Americans get an IRS refund?

Short answer: Yes. Long answer: Certainly, but your tax return needs to be optimized.
IRS statute of limitations

The IRS can’t chase you forever; we break down the rules behind the IRS statute of limitations
ITIN Q&A

What are ITINs, who needs one, how to get one, and when they expire
All IRS 101
Tax musings
Financial planning

Expat tax rules

FBAR/FATCA

News

Investments

Non-US citizens

Retirement

Real estate

Foreign business

Immigration

Expatriation

Family matters

Tax saving strategies

Recently published

Recently Published Articles
Foreign nationals

Case studies

All tax musings
Tax concepts
Glossary of tax terms

Expatriate tax glossary. Commonly used terms explained
Definition of US tax terson

More complicated than it sounds. How ‘US Person’ is defined by the IRS and what it means to you
Resident & non-resident aliens

“Resident” can have many different meanings for the IRS.
Foreign bank account report: FBAR

FinCEN Form 114 and filing requirements explained. Who needs to file, when, and why?
Form 8938 (FATCA)

Filing requirements, penalties, and other considerations
Foreign retirement accounts

How is your nest egg treated by the IRS? It depends on the country and the plan
Foreign tax credit (FTC)

How to avoid double taxation
Physical presence test

One of two ways to meet the Foreign earned income exclusion (FEIE)
Bona fide residence test

Second method to meet the Foreign earned income exclusion (FEIE)
All tax concepts
Expat tax 101
Why file

It’s the law. But, outside of legal reasons, many taxpayers may also benefit from refunds
Expat tax deadlines & due dates

There are many different deadlines & possible extensions - TFX can keep you abreast.
Tax documents required

Which documents you may require in getting caught up to date on your tax returns
Do expats file state taxes?

It depends. State taxes are one of the most misunderstood aspects of expat tax.
Common tax forms

Thousands of tax forms exist, but which select few you really need to understand
Dependents & exemptions

How to understand these two terms & use them to your advantage to obtain tax refunds
Foreign spouse tax implications

How to understand these two terms & use them to your advantage to obtain tax refunds
Totalization agreements

Why these complex terms can mean a lot to self-employed individuals & digital nomads
Green Card holders

US tax filing requirements & credits specific to permanent residents
Surrendering citizenship or Green Card

Big life choice that also carries hidden tax implications & filing requirements
Social security survivor benefits

Will your non-US spouse be sble to receive survivor, dependent, or spousal benefits?
All expat tax 101
Who we help
Americans working abroad

US citizens & Green Card holders who are living and working outside the US
American educators abroad

TFX has partnerships with many international schools to assist their staff with tax filings
American contractors overseas

Contractor taxes contain many nuances, especially for potential state tax filing requirements
Employees of international organizations

Aid workers (& other staff) of the UN, EC, WHO or WB have many tax advantages and tax complexities
Pilots

Thx for keeping us safe in the sky! International pilot taxes are *almost* as complex as flying a jet
Military

Working in war zones or stationed abroad, TFX can help understand filing requirements
Digital nomads

Global citizens who earn a living without a permanent establishment
Retirees abroad

TFX files returns for American retirees globally & ensures their nest eggs are protected
Small business owners

We support entrepreneurs globally & explain how to make the most of your hard-earned earnings
Green Card holders

Permanent residency has tax implications - we explain what you need to know
Accidental Americans

Born with a U.S. citizenship but never filed tax returns? TFX can help.
Dual citizens with US passports

Multiple citizenship is in vogue! TFX explains your U.S. tax filing requirements
All who we help
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Canada
United Kingdom
Switzerland
Germany
Sweden
Australia
Costa Rica
Norway
Singapore
France
Ireland
Italy
Spain
Japan
Mexico
Portugal
Bahamas
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Expertise:
  • Non-resident taxation
  • Real estate taxation
  • Tax optimization
Education:
  • Bachelor of Science, University of Georgia

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 Accounting from the University of Georgia, 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 has a passion for woodworking, a craft that allows him to express his creativity and meticulous attention to detail in a tangible form.

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

Understanding the foreign tax credit: A comprehensive guide for US taxpayers abroad

Disclaimer This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Always consult with a tax professional for your specific circumstances. ...

Read more 28 Jan, 2025

Foreign earned income exclusion - FEIE

Disclaimer This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Always consult with a tax professional for your specific circumstances. ...

Read more 28 Jan, 2025

What is double taxation: How it works & ways to avoid it

In the world of taxation, one term that often causes confusion and concern is "double taxation". This concept, while seemingly straightforward, can have significant implications for both individuals and businesses, particularly those operating across international borders. In this article, we will delve into what dou...

Read more 23 Jan, 2025

Capital gains taxes from selling foreign property: how to report and exclusions you can use

Disclaimer This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Always consult with a tax professional for your specific circumstances. ...

Read more 14 Jan, 2025

What is FIRPTA? A guide for foreign sellers and US buyers

Disclaimer This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult with a tax professional for your specific circumstances. Ar...

Read more 10 Jan, 2025

FBAR penalties in 2025: Everything you need to know

Disclaimer This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult with a tax professional for your specific circumstances. Ha...

Read more 09 Jan, 2025