Calculator Results

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FICA Tax Information

What Does FICA Tax Mean?

FICA tax (Federal Insurance Contributions Act) is a United States payroll tax imposed by the federal government on both employees and employers to fund Social Security and Medicare — federal programs that provide benefits for retirees, the disabled, and children of deceased workers.

FICA tax should be deducted by your employer only if you are working in the US on an H1B or H2B visa OR you are working in the US with any visa type but for more than 183 days. (For example if you are an intern on a J1 visa and your internship is more than 6 months)

Can You Get Your FICA Taxes Back?

You can claim back the FICA tax you have paid only if you meet ALL of the following criteria:

You have worked in the US on a J, F, M or Q visa AND
Your stay in the US was less than 183 days AND
Your employer has not reimbursed your FICA tax upon your departure from the US

To determine the amount of FICA tax you have paid, please see boxes 4 and 6 of your W2 form. If the boxes are empty this means you have not paid FICA tax.

Do not Forget

If you worked for more than one employer you have to add the FICA tax withheld by each.