hi taxexperts,

i am non-resident alien. (single)

-- started working in march with f1/opt visa. (opt is valid until february 1, 2007)
-- applied for h1b visa in july
-- h1b was approved in august
-- got my stamp in december 1, 2006.
-- effective start date for h1b is january 21, 2007.

i did not know that i am exempt from fica taxes, and my company has been deducting it from my paycheck.

i would like to learn how many months I can claim exemption from fica during 2006... i could not find any documents mentioning about this.

in other words, am i still under opt (and therefore i can claim fica-exemption)?:confused:

thank you very much in advance...

(PS. How many days can I exclude in 2006 for non-resident alien status? My opt will expire in 2007)

If the H-1B visa is effective on 21 January 2007, that is the date you should use when you request a refund of ALL Social Security and Medicare taxes for 2006.