Hi
I've worked under Optional Practical Training (OPT) between Jul 2006 and Jul 2007. Today I've received my W2, and it looks like they cut more than $1500 for Social Security tax, and $372 for Medicare. As an OPT do I had to pay for these? If not how can I ask for returns on it?

Another question: Currently I am on H1-B. I guess now I am subject to social security. Is there a way to opt out of this? I don't think I will stay in this country for a long time, and I don't think I will retire in this country. Put in a different way: When leaving at least can I redeem my contributions?

Thanks a lot

Quote:

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Originally Posted by palaremzi

Hi
I've worked under Optional Practical Training (OPT) between Jul 2006 and Jul 2007. Today I've received my W2, and it looks like they cut more than $1500 for Social Security tax, and $372 for Medicare. As an OPT do I had to pay for these? If not how can I ask for returns on it?

Another question: Currently I am on H1-B. I guess now i am subject to social security. Is there a way to opt out of this? I don't think i will stay in this country for a long time, and i don't think i will retire in this country. Put in a different way: When leaving at least can I redeem my contributions?

Thanks a lot

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Anything on this? Please help..

Before I can answer your question:
When did you enter the U.S. on F1? What is your citizenship? Are you married? When did you get your H1B?
Did you file your 2006 return? Which form? What about FICA (social security and medicare) taxes?

Normally on OPT you don't pay FICA taxes. If FICA taxes were withheld, you can file form 843 to get it back.
You must pay FICA taxes during H1-B and you won't get it back in any situation.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MukatA

Before I can answer your question:
When did you enter the U.S. on F1? What is your citizenship? Are you married? When did you get your H1B?
Did you file your 2006 return? Which form? What about FICA (social security and medicare) taxes?

Normally on OPT you don't pay FICA taxes. If FICA taxes were withheld, you can file form 843 to get it back.
You must pay FICA taxes during H1-B and you won't get it back in any situation.

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I came to US in 2000 as F-1 and I am Turkish. Married Nov 2007. Got H1-B July 2007. Filed 2006 return. Don't remember which form, but used TurboTax.

I was on OPT till July 2007. Then I found a new job in Chicago and switched to H1B. I got 2 W2s this year. One from previous employer, one from current. Previous employed cut FICA taxes, and I was on OPT back then. Current employer cut FICA as well, but since I am on H1B cannot dispute that I guess.

How do I dispute the FICA charges on previous emplyer?

Thanks for the help..

You were exempt from FICA taxes only for 2000 to 2004. Then you must pay FICA taxes after 2004. You can't exclude days on F1 or OPT after 2004 from SPT test.

File your 2007 return as residents Married Filing Jointly.

You can contact AtlantaTaxExpert to do your tax return: [email protected].