Hi All,

I am in the US with J-1 visa. I work in Knoxville, TN. I pay Federal tax withhold and FICA state withhold but my friend also working in the same company in the same city and state with me only pay Federal tax withhold. My friend also in the US with J-1 visa. Can anybody explain to me why it happen?

Thank you

Persons under a J-1 visa are normally EXEMPT from FICA taxes. Your friend apparently knew this and made sure the company knew it as well.

Go to the company and ask that the FICA taxes be refunded to you. If they say NO (which is likely), get the refusal in writing. You will need the refusal letter as one of a number of documents to file with Form 843 to request a refund of the FICA taxes from the IRS.