Hi:
Does anybody know how to get the state and fed. tax back, when on OPT? I have heard that the employers are not supposed to withold the taxes when you are on OPT. Since mine's being witheld, I was wondering if I should go and talk to the HR or, is it that we get a refund when we do our taxes next year.

Any advice/suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

I do not think so. Even when you work as a student (valid work authorization) as a teacinhg assitant or graduate assitant, the university deduct Federal tax and State Tax. I think you may not able to get rid of those two taxes. The employer may have hard time justifying for this.

You have to pay taxes. But you don't have to pay social security. Maybe you don't have to pay Medicare too. Not sure about the second one.

juzz state and federal tahts it...dont 'ave to pay social security nor medicare....if yor employer tries to be too "batho" with u...grab 'him by his nuts......whirl 'im 'round......loft 'im too high in the air...dont kick 'im before he crashes to the ground.....let 'im take a bounce first .....n then kick the sh*t outta 'im...!!!!!!!!!

F-1 students who've been in US for < than 5 yrs are exempt from paying social security taxes, but have to pay federal, state, local ( if its applicable in your state ).

There is also a provisin in IRS rule that allows you to reduce your federal taxex, by deducting expenses like, food, housing, and transportation, while you're in OPT.

but you need to let your employer know about not dedcuting the FICA tax ( SS) from your paycheck sicne your emploeyr might not be aware of this . tell them too lik into IRS Tax publication 519.