Hi,

I came to US in Aug. 2000 with F1 and graduated in Nov. 2006 without changing my visa status during those years. My opt started in Dec. 06' and I got a job starting in Dec 06' after I got employment card. So basically I got payments from both school (almost whole year) and company (2 weeks) for 2006.

My questions:
(1) I got W2 from school since 2000. So I wonder whether I need to follow some procedure to get W2 from company for 2006 payments (2 weeks in 2006)

(2) I assume I am exempt from social security and medicare tax since I am on OPT. But the tax was withheld from my first bi-weekly pay by company in 06'. I wonder how to get it refund. Can I do that though tax return?

Thank you for taking time answering my questions. I really appreciate that!

(1) The company will automatically issue you a W-2. You need do nothing unless you do not get it by the end of January (the legal deadline for getting a W-2).

(2) Because you have been in the U.S. for parts of five years while on your F-1 visa, your tax exemption for Social Security and Medicare has expired. The company was correct in withholding those taxes.

As a unversity student, you were probably exempt from Social Security and Medicare taxes. Most students who work for the universities where they attend school are exempt from these taxes regardless of their citizenship or visa status.

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