Hi ATE:

If I want to claim for the Medicare & Social Security Tax during my OPT year (mid 2004 - mid2005) right now, is it possible? The situation is that I'm not a valid alien anymore since I've returned to my country on mid 2005.

Thanks,
Jesslyn

Jesslyn:

If you had the correct visa, then yes, you can file Form 843 to claim a refund for withheld Social Security and Medicase taxes.

What visa did you have in 2004 and 2005?

Hi ATE:

My visa was F1-visa at that time.
Is there any deadline in requesting the refund?

Thanks for your respond,
Jesslyn

Yes, there is a deadline.

You must request the refund for 2004 by 15 April 2008. You must request the refund for 2005 by 15 April 2009.

I would recommend you file as soon as possible, as the IRS seems to take its time to process these returns. Sooner you file, the sooner you get the money.

Hi ATE:

Thank you for the responds.
One more question. Do we have to submit the original W-2 from the related year? Or just the copy of them?

Thanks,
Jesslyn

A copy is fine.

Thanks ATE!

Jesslyn

Glad to help!