I am Nonresident Alien NRA on F1 visa, married to US citizen, looking to file MFJ, didn't pay FICA in 2018 for NRA status. If elect to be treated resident, do I pay FICA?

[LinaJ2018]

No, you do not pay FICA.  If your spouse makes an election to treat you as a resident, for Social Security and Medicare Tax Withholding purposes, you are still considered as a nonresident hence do not need to pay FICA. 

[pratik_sarangi]

Lina, Thank you very much for the clarification.

[LinaJ2018]

You are very welcome!  

[ORDDB]

Lina,

Would you mind providing any support you have for this determination? I have found conflicting information on this topic and nothing clear cut. It seems that the election to be treated as a Resident Alien can only be made for the entire tax year. If one is deemed to be a Resident Alien for the entire tax year, is there something that exempts them from a tax that is otherwise assessed against all Resident Aliens?