I am an opt working in NY state. I paid from my salary almost $ 300 for federal and state tax . That seems allot, as opt student working am I supposed to pay those taxes in my salaries?
Thank you

Even though you are a student on OPT (F-1 visa), you ARE liable for federal and state income taxes for salaries earned while living and working INSIDE the United States.

Only income from OUTSIDE the U.S. is exempt from income taxes.

Actually, most of what you paid from your salary are the tax withholding, not the actual final taxes. What tax you actually pay will be calculated next year when you file your taxes.

For federal and state incone taxes, what is withheld is only an estimate of what is owed. That is why the tax return is needed, to reconcile all income an deductions to determine the actual tax.

Almost all F-1 students on OPT over-withhold, which means a refund will be due.

Note that students on OPT are still considered students and thus are usually exempt from FICA (Social Security and Medicare) taxes. Make sure your employer knows this, as many employers are NOT aware of this.