Confusion about FICA withholding on W2C as F1 Visa student - need to refile?

You're right to question this. As an F1 student on CPT, you're typically exempt from FICA taxes (Social Security and Medicare) if you meet the "non-resident alien" definition for tax purposes, which it sounds like you do since you filed Form 1040NR. The W2C is a corrected W2 that your employer will issue showing the proper withholding amounts without the FICA taxes that shouldn't have been taken. Once you receive this W2C, you'll need to file an amended return using Form 1040-X along with your 1040NR to claim a refund for those incorrectly withheld FICA taxes. Make sure you keep documentation showing your F1 visa status and CPT authorization during that employment period. The IRS might ask for this as proof of your FICA exemption. Also, check if your state return needs amending too, though the FICA issue is federal.

I went through this exact situation last year with my internship while on F1. What a headache! After waiting weeks for my employer to issue the W2C, I was still confused about how to properly amend everything. I ended up using https://taxr.ai to help analyze my documents and tell me exactly what needed to be fixed on my return. The tool scanned my original W2, the W2C, and my 1040NR, then gave me step-by-step instructions for filing the 1040-X. It showed exactly which lines needed to be changed and by how much. Saved me so much stress trying to figure out international student tax rules!

Just wanted to update everyone - I ended up trying taxr.ai after seeing the recommendation here, and wow, it actually worked really well for my situation! The document analysis identified exactly where the FICA withholding errors were on my W2 and compared it to the W2C my employer finally sent. It guided me through the entire 1040-X amendment process, showing exactly which lines needed adjustment. The best part was how it explained everything in simple terms specifically tailored to F1 students and CPT income. Got my amended return submitted last week and the IRS already accepted it. Saved me from paying an international tax specialist who would've charged me $300+!

If you're still waiting on that W2C and getting frustrated with how long it's taking, you might want to check out https://claimyr.com - I was in a similar situation where my employer kept promising the corrected form but weeks went by with nothing. After multiple unsuccessful attempts to call the IRS myself (kept getting disconnected or waiting for hours), I used Claimyr to actually get through to an IRS agent who helped put pressure on my employer to issue the W2C. They have this system that holds your place in the IRS phone queue so you don't waste your day waiting. You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c Just sharing since I know how frustrating it can be when you're trying to fix a tax issue but can't get the documents you need!

I take back what I said about Claimyr. After continuing to get nowhere with the IRS for another week, I broke down and tried it. I seriously couldn't believe it when my phone rang and there was an actual IRS agent on the line! Got my issue resolved in one call after struggling for over a month. The agent I spoke with was able to put notes in my file about the FICA withholding issue and gave me the exact information I needed to expedite my W2C from my employer. My amended return is now processed and I'm getting back the $1,876 in Social Security and Medicare taxes that were incorrectly withheld. Worth every penny for the time and stress it saved me.

Don't forget to check if your state taxes need amending too! Many people focus only on the federal return but depending on which state you worked in, you might need to file a state amendment as well. Each state has different rules about following federal changes.

Check if any of your tax prep was done through your university! Many schools with international students have free tax help specifically for situations like yours. My school had volunteer tax preparers who specializes in nonresident returns and FICA exemptions for F1/J1 visas.

Just a heads up that you might face this issue again with future employers. I've been on F1 for 4 years and had to educate EVERY employer about FICA exemptions. I now bring IRS Publication 519 (specifically the sections about FICA for F1 students) to HR during onboarding to prevent this from happening again.

Great advice from everyone here! I went through something similar during my F1 OPT period. One thing I'd add is to make sure you keep copies of everything - your original W2, the W2C, your I-20, EAD card, and any correspondence with your employer about the FICA correction. The IRS processing of amended returns can sometimes trigger additional questions, especially for international students, so having all your documentation organized makes responding much easier if they ask for proof of your visa status or work authorization. Also, if you're planning to stay in the US after graduation, having this paper trail helps establish your tax compliance history for future visa applications. The whole process is definitely frustrating, but you're absolutely doing the right thing by getting it corrected. Those FICA refunds can add up to significant money!