Hey guys I need your help here..
Does anyone know whether we have to pay Social and Medicare tax while we are in OPT?
I heard that we didnt have to pay them if we were in OPT status. But once in H1 we have to pay those taxes.
Please share your knowledge regarding this.
Thanks

absolutely not,

Students on OPT do not have to pay Social security and medicare tax. If you do some search, you will find this in IRS website, clearly mentioned.

Social security and medicare tax is actually designed to help people when they retire, so you may think your are being taxed unnecessarily now but actually, more you pay now more you get later when you get old......if you plan to stay in US for long

That's what I have found out too. Unfortunately, I found out about this too late and now I'm trying to claim the money back from the Feds. You guys know what tax form to use to claim SS/Medicare money back?

Its easy . all u need is a lettter from your employer and fill out a page form and sent it to tax office in state where your employer send your medicare and social security taxes.(its different address from Federal/state tax filling address) I forget the form number(8336!!!) but if you search tax discussion in sajha of previous year you will find detail
goodluck

Can anybody tell me the best indian consulting firm, or any consultant that sponsors H1b. I would prefer the DC area, but any help at all would be appreciated

Hai xx-nepal, we can do it call me .My phne no is 609 587 2808 Ext 301and my name is kalai

I looked everywhere in the IRS website and could not find any info regarding this thing. I also heard that if you are in the US for the last 5 yrs then you need to pay SS and Medicare.
Please can someone let me know if they find anything regarding this in the IRS website?
Thanks

I talked to my employer regarding this and they have asked me for a valid proof eg IRS website or a law firm site that mentions this.
If anyone happens to come across regarding OPT and medicare SS tax please let me know.
Thanks

I know most tax people are unaware of this but you can do it.
When you ask can I get my SS and medicare back -they look with big eye.

Bur you can get your medicare and social security tax easily if you are in F1 visa.
Two way to do it
1. your employer can do it for you.
2 you can do on your own
If they oppose just get a letter form them that you are in fi visa and they have taken your SS and medicare tax.That is sufficient
u will get your return in 3 -4 week

ck out here

http://www.utexas.edu/international/taxes/Form843require.html

that is for texas .

As I wrote you u have to send it to the tax office of your state where your office sent your medicare and social security taxes.(its different address from Federal/state tax filling address) ask them the correct address.


good luck