How do I prevent having Social Security taxes withheld if I am a nonresident alien?
How do I prevent having Social Security taxes withheld if I am a nonresident alien?
If you are a nonresident alien in F-1, J-1, M-1 or Q-1/Q-2 status,
your employment compensation for authorized work is not subject to
Social Security and Medicare taxes under section 3121(b)(19) of the
Internal Revenue Code. This exception (referred to as the NRA FICA Exception) is described in IRS Publication 15, Employer Tax Guide.
The substantial presence test rules and exceptions that cause
non-immigrants in F, J, M, and Q status to be nonresident aliens for
substantial period of time are described in IRS
Publication 519, U.S. Tax Guide for Aliens. Unfortunately, many
corporations employing students for optional practical training are
unfamiliar with these tax rules and will withhold FICA.
Some schools send a letter with their students certifying to the
student’s nonresident alien status based on their immigration status and
history.