Tax filing requirements for OPT period (F-1 VISA) in Pennsylvania

Question

This past year I worked under the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program after I graduated. I started my employment period March 15th and worked until September 28th. During this time I got paid out in cash/checks to my account because that's how my employer wanted to do it.

I read online that I am to get a W-2 form from my employer that I will submit when I am filing my taxes (in the past my institution has previously licensed an access code for us to use GLACIER Tax Prep), and that I am exempt from social and medicare tax.

I am very confused about what forms I need to acquire and what documentation I am supposed to provide when filing since I did not go through payroll, I was hoping I could get some help here?

I also made less than $7,000 over this period and I moved to the US in 2014 so I was there less than five years (I moved home to Europe this past week), for the record.

jainp · Answer

I was on OPT in the past. So answer based on experience.

I read online that I am to get a W-2 form from my employer that I will >submit when I am filing my taxes (in the past my institution has >previously licensed an access code for us to use GLACIER Tax Prep), and >that I am exempt from social and medicare tax.

You will use GLACIER again for filing your taxes as you are considered non resident alien for tax purposes. Not sure if GLACIER will file your state taxes. I used CINTAX which didn't file state taxes. (Depending on your state, you may/may not need to file them.)

DO NOT USE H&R Block/Turbo Tax as they will not do the right calculation.

I am very confused about what forms I need to acquire and what >documentation I am supposed to provide when filing since I did not go >through payroll, I was hoping I could get some help here?

Ideally, your employer should provide you with a W2. That is what you need to submit your tax return. It should show your medicare/social security tax withheld as 0. If not, contact your employer to get that money.

Tax filing requirements for OPT period (F-1 VISA) in Pennsylvania

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