Hello,

I have limited knowledge concerning taxes. I'm on an OPT(F1) status, and I'm working in the US.

I get paid weekly, (16/hr) and the total typically comes to around 650-700 dollars per week.

As a student visa status, I am exempt from medicare/social security federal taxes, but I do have to pay federal withholding/state income tax. On the W4, I claimed 0 (I am a single, and do not have dependents... should I be claiming allowances?)

The problem is, around 140 dollars(state + federal) are taken out of the 650/week paycheck each week from the total.

Is this calculation correct? I would appreciate it if anyone could tell me if anything is incorrect here, and if I should do something differently.

Thank you very much for the help.

Yes you will claim 0 allowance on Form W4.
You will file nonresident tax return and Form 8843. 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)

Thank you very much for your prompt response.

However, when I looked through the W4, aren't I supposed to claim 2 allowances (no dependents, single worker)?

Also, I am a citizen of South Korea, and I have arrived here around 4 1/2 years ago... and based on the tax treaty b/w US and Republic of Korea (article 21-students and trainees), is it correct to claim tax exempt for $2000 of my salary in form 8233?

I appreciate your expertise!

You ARE authorized a $2,000 treaty exemption under the Korean-U.S. Treaty.

You claim it on Form 1040NR or 1040NR-EZ; Form 8233 is NOT required.