I came to the us on Sep 2006 on a J-1 Research Visa, I'm I a resident alien for 2008? And I'm I required to have FICA tax withheld from employee compensation?
Thanks
asp21

At the end of the two year period, you are supposed to go back to your home country.

If you do go back, you should be exempt from ALL taxes.

If not, you are liable for income taxes (both federal and state) retroactive to Sep 2006.

What does it mean? I'm j-1 researcher also and arrived to US on March of 2006 and will go back to home (South Korea) on March of 2008 (exactly after two years). Then I'll be exempt from all of taxes even including 2008? I was told that only for the first two calendar year (2006 & 2007) is accepted as tax exempt not 2008. Am I told wrong?

If it's yes above, how about 401k saving? My 401k saving money would be arrive to me as a check on April of 2008 and then can I be still exempt from tax with 401k money?

Hope you reply, thank you!

You should be exempt for 2006, 2007 and 2008.

The intent of the two-year exemption is that it will apply for the 24-month period during which you are under the J-1 visa.

This being the case, the early distribution of your 401K money should be tax-exempt as well, provided it is distributed to you prior to your departure.