I am a South African working in the USA on a J1 working visa.

I would like to find out how to claim back my taxes paid at the end of my trip here.

There are numerous companies that offer this service but they hold about 25% of your tax refund as a fee.

I am considering claiming my tax refund myself if it's not too complex.

Please could you advise me of how to go about this or direct me to an appropriate source.

Thank you

1. Every one on J1 is exempt from SS and Medicare tax for 2 years.
2. You will file nonresident tax return Form 1040NR or 1040NR-EZ with Form 8843.
Read: Your U.S. Tax Return: U.S. Tax Filing Requirements for Non-Residents (http://taxipay.blogspot.com/2008/03/us-tax-filing-requirements-for-non.html)

Clarification: The SS and Medicare tax exemption is good for two calendar[B][I] years, which means that, if you arrived in country on 31 December 2007, that one day counts [B][I]for a whole year!