Hi, I am a resident physician (not research) on a j-1 visa. Country of origin Lebanon
In my 3rd fiscal year 2 additional taxes are being withdrawn from my paycheck which are known as retirement and medicare. That has been going on for the past year. I asked my employer which is a non-profit community hospital and was told that I have to pay them.
I recently reviewed previous questions on the forum and it seems that resident physicians are exempt. How should I proceed about cancelling this "illegal" tax and get a refund? Thank you

I would like to add that I am subject to the rule that forces me to return to my country after the J-1 visa is expired (7 years max)

On J1 you are exempt from residency for 2-years. You must file non-resident tax return and Form 8843. Your income is not subject to FICA taxes and federal income tax. You will pay state income tax.

After two years, you are not exempt from residency. You must pay FICA taxes (SS tax and Medicare tax) and federal and state income taxes. If your employer is not withholding FICA taxes, you must inform them that you have completed two years on J1. Read about J1 tax filing: Your U.S. Tax Return: The U.S. Visas (http://taxipay.blogspot.com/2008/08/us-visas.html)