[karthik28oct]

Hello.. I completed my masters in US and currently I am on OPT status.. I need to file taxes for the year 2012.

I heard that for OPT students, we don't need to pay SSN and Medicare tax. But as my employer is an American client, they don't know much about OPT status, I paid all my taxes as if I am on H1B through out the year.

1) So Is there any way I can claim that money back(ssn and medicare taxes).

2) I paid my college fee in the year 2011 but I don't have any incomes on 2011. Can I include those fee in 2012 tax returns. Thanks for your help..

[AtlantaTaxExpert]

Karthik,

Print out pages 51-55 of IRS Pub 519, and show the payroll department that you were not supposed to pay FICA (Social Security and Medicare) taxes, and ask for a refund.

They may be reluctant to refund the money, but once you point out that THEY will nget a refund as well, they will find a way to make it happen, and you should get the money back in April.

The alternative is to submit Form 843 and 8316, plus a BUNCH of support documents, to the IRS and wait up to a YEAR to get the refund from them.

Sorry, but as a non-resident alien, your college fees are NOT deductible or eligible for any tax credits for either 2011 or 2012.