Hi, I'm working in US from 2006 under J1 visa and planning to go back to my country soon. The midcare tax was withdrowed from this year and my payroll told me that I can ask for the refund before I leave US. May I? And how? Thank you so very much!

Normally everyone on J1 is exempt from residency (and FICA/Medicare taxes) for 2-years. J1 students are exempt for 5-years. As exempt, you must file non-resident tax return. What is your J1 issued for?

For refund of FICA/Medicare taxes (if you are eligible) you will file Form 843.

Thank you very much. I'm a J1 research scholar, as you said I can be exempted from medicare tax for two years, so I should pay the tax from 2008. Thank you for let me know.

For most of the countries J1 research scholars are exempts from federal income tax and the exemption is lost if they stay for more than two years.