[scorpio222]

Hello. I am an indian working FT for a company in Atlanta, Georgia. I am working on OPT (f-1) and not H-1. Been in the US for less than 5 years. My salary is 60K.

1. I have learnt from your forums that I do not have to pay FICA taxes. The payroll company deducted FICA tax, on my first paycheck. They said they would adjust it in the next paycheck. Is there anything else I need to do about this, like when I file my taxes do I need to do some extra paperwork?

2. the paycheck from my previous company, federal tax and state tax combined was approximately 23% of the whole salary. But from this paycheck I lost 36% of my salary, out of which FICA is about 7%, so right now my deduction is about 29% only for federal and GA tax. Is this normal, considering I am filing single?

I am assuming that in my tax returns I will be getting back some money. If so, how much % would I pay for federal and state tax if my salary was 60K? I feel like I am paying a lot of taxes even for a normal salary of 60K, single and in OPT.

[MukatA]

On F-1 or OPT, you are nonresident for 5 years and do not pay FICA taxes. So talk to your employer so that they do not withhold FICA taxes. Tax Filing -- Nonresident Your U.S. Tax Return: U.S. Tax Filing Requirements for Non-Residents

[scorpio222]

Thanks for your reply. What about the % of taxes that is withheld? Is that not a lot for 60K salary?

[MukatA]

Do your tax return. You should get a refund.