I just started my post-graduation job, and I am being taxed at an alarmingly high rate.

I have selected to file as Single and with only 1 allowance - that is the only way for non-residents, right?

My employer is taking MED/EE and OASDI/EE from my paycheck - do I have to pay those?

Is there any way to reduce my tax witholding?

Thanks in advance!

Welcome to the work place, where taxes are a fact of life.

However, FICA (Social Security and Medicare) taxes do NOT apply you just yet. Download IRS Pub 5190 from Internal Revenue Service (http://www.irs.gov) and show you employer pages 54 and 55 to prove that you are exempt from these taxes, then ask that he refund the taxes already withheld.