Do I need to pay FICA taxes if I'm on F-1 Student - Post Completion OPT and also a Resident Alien for tax purposes?

[DianeW777]

It depends on how long you have been in the United States (US). As an F-1 visa holder, you are exempt from FICA (Social Security and Medicare) taxes. This means that no matter whether you are doing OPT, OPT extension or CPT (Curricular Practical Training), you are exempt from paying Social Security and Medicare taxes unless you've been in the United States for more than 5 years.

• FICA Liability for Foreign Students, Scholars, Researchers and Trainees

[saloni311]

Thank you for your reply.

I have been in the US for over 5 years on 2 separate F-1 Visas. Thus, I am a tax paying Resident Alien.

Neither me nor my employer (possibly) was aware of this. Would you be having any information regarding how I can amend my 2021 returns?

[DaveF1006]

Yes, here is how to amend your 2021 tax return in Turbo Tax online.

1. Sign in to TurboTax.
2. Scroll down to under Your tax returns & documents,
3. Select Amend (change) 2021 return,
4. Then Start amending my 2021 return.
5. Then, select the reason you’re amending and follow the onscreen instructions.

Once you are there here is how to declare your FICA taxes.

1. Federal > Wages and Income -
2. Less Common Income 
3. Misc Income 
4. Other Income Not Already Reported on A Form W2 or Form 1099
5. You will get sent to the Other Wages Received Page
6. You will click Yes and proceed until you get to Any Other Earned Income
7. Click Yes to this question because you have other income that should be on a W2
8. Leave check next to employee compensation that was not reported on a W2
9. Next screen will be Employee Compensation that was not reported on a W2
10. Continue to answer the questions until you are finished with the interview.

@saloni.s311