Hi

I am currently working in the US on an E3 Visa

I have applied for and received my SS number.

My question is

1. My employer is taxing me at the standard US rates ( California ) Is this correct?

2. My employer has advised I can be exempt from paying social security and medicare but that I need specific documentation for the IRS, what document should I be requesting from Australia. ( I have called all relevant parties with no success in identifying firstly whether my E3 visa status means I am exempt from SS and medicare witholding and secondly, the documentation required for such exemption. )

Thanks so much

Emmanuel

E3 is work visa. Your days in the U.S. are not exempt from residency and SPT. For 2008 you will file resident tax return and your income is subject to FICA (social security and Medicare) taxes. You will also pay federal income tax and CA income tax and other taxes.
Read Your U.S. Tax Return: Substantial Presence Test (http://taxipay.blogspot.com/2008/04/substantial-presence-test.html)