Social Security Numbers

What is Social Security?

Social Security (also known as FICAFederal Insurance Contributions Act) and Medicare are U.S. government programs that provide benefits for U.S. citizens and U.S permanent residents, usually for retirement. It is financed by taxes withheld from the paychecks of working people. F-1 or J-1 students and scholars who are "non-residents for tax purposes" are not required to pay these taxes. See the IRS Publication 519, to determine if you are considered a resident or non-resident for tax purposes.

J-2 dependents and F-1 and J-1's who have become "residents for tax purposes," are required to pay in to Social Security and Medicare taxes. If Social Security and Medicare taxes are withheld from your paycheck in error, you can obtain a refund by following the instructions in IRS Publication 519 or following the information outlined in the tax filing software program offered in spring by Berkeley International Office called GLACIER Tax Prep.