1490221
turbotax icon
cancel
Showing results for 
Search instead for 
Did you mean: 
Announcements
Attend our Ask the Experts event about Tax Law Changes - One Big Beautiful Bill on Aug 6! >> RSVP NOW!
Close icon
Do you have a TurboTax Online account?

We'll help you get started or pick up where you left off.

STEM OPT F-1 Visa FICA and Medicare taxes

I currently pass the substantial presence test and I have to be paying social security and medicare taxes but my employer is not in the same page. I wanted to know if I came to the US on 8/14/2014, do these taxes have to start to be withheld on 8/14/2019 or would it be starting on 1/1/2019?

x
Do you have an Intuit account?

Do you have an Intuit account?

You'll need to sign in or create an account to connect with an expert.

1 Reply
DavidS127
Expert Alumni

STEM OPT F-1 Visa FICA and Medicare taxes

Based on the information you provided, you began counting "days of presence" in 2019, and if you were present for 183 days you are a resident alien for U.S. income tax purposes in 2019.  Your resident alien status starts on the first day you were present in the U.S. in 2019.  Social Security and Medicare Taxes start on the first day you were a resident alien, i.e., the first day you were present in the U.S.

 

See the section of IRS Publication 519 at this link for this guidance on your residency starting date:

 

Residency starting date under substantial presence test.

If you meet the substantial presence test for a calendar year, your residency starting date generally is the first day you are present in the United States during that calendar year. (emphasis added)

 

See the section of IRS Publication 519 at this link for the guidance on Social Security and Medicare Taxes:

 

Social security and Medicare taxes will be withheld from your pay for these services if you are considered a resident alien as discussed in chapter 1, even though your nonimmigrant classification ("F," "J," "M," or "Q") remains the same. (emphasis added)

**Say "Thanks" by clicking the thumb icon in a post
**Mark the post that answers your question by clicking on "Mark as Best Answer"

Unlock tailored help options in your account.

message box icon

Get more help

Ask questions and learn more about your taxes and finances.

Post your Question