Recover What's Yours
FICA withheld in error is refundable — we pursue it.
Social Security & Medicare Tax
FICA Assistance
Social Security and Medicare tax withheld when it shouldn't have been? We pursue the refund and set your withholding right going forward.
Overview
FICA Assistance, done properly
FICA — Social Security and Medicare tax — is withheld from most US paychecks automatically. But certain visa holders and student employees are exempt, and employers frequently withhold it anyway.
If FICA was taken from your pay in error, that money is recoverable. We determine whether you're exempt, pursue the refund through the proper channels, and make sure it stops happening.
Every engagement is backed by our accuracy commitment and handled with strict confidentiality.
The Benefits
What you get with Cedar
Real advantages that add up to less stress, more savings, and total confidence.
Exemption Assessed
We confirm whether your visa or student status actually exempts you.
Claim Prepared
Form 843 and the supporting evidence, prepared correctly.
Employer Coordination
We work with your employer first, which is often the faster route.
Stops Recurring
Withholding corrected so the error doesn't repeat next paycheck.
Clear Guidance
An unfamiliar process explained in plain language.
Who It's For
Is this service right for you?
If any of these sound familiar, we should talk. A free consultation is the fastest way to find out how we can help.
- F-1, J-1, M-1, and Q-1 visa holders in exempt status
- International students employed on or off campus
- Nonresident scholars, researchers, and trainees
- Anyone who spotted Social Security or Medicare tax on an exempt paycheck
- Employers unsure whether to withhold FICA for a worker
- Anyone owed a FICA refund from a prior year
How It Works
A clear path from start to finished
Our process keeps everything simple, transparent, and on schedule.
1
Free Consultation
We start with a no-cost call to understand your situation, goals, and deadlines.
2
Secure Document Collection
Share your paperwork through our encrypted portal — we send a tailored checklist.
3
Preparation & Review
Our advisors do the work and run a multi-point accuracy review.
4
Your Approval
You review and approve before anything is submitted.
5
Filing & Ongoing Support
We file, confirm acceptance, and stay available all year.
Questions
FICA Assistance FAQs
Certain nonresident visa holders — commonly F-1 and J-1 students in exempt status — are not subject to Social Security and Medicare tax on authorized employment. Eligibility depends on your visa and substantial presence status.
Usually yes. The first step is asking the employer to refund and correct it. If they won't or can't, a claim can be filed directly with the IRS.
Refund claims are generally subject to a time limit from the date the tax was paid, so it's worth acting promptly rather than letting years pass.
We help you document your exempt status with your employer's payroll so it's applied correctly going forward.
Explore More
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End-to-end support for ITIN applications and renewals — guided, accurate, and built to avoid the delays that trip up most filers.
Learn moreW-4 Submission & Guidelines
Set your withholding correctly and stop lending the IRS money interest-free — or getting blindsided by a bill in April.
Learn moreUS Individual Income Tax Returns
Federal and state Form 1040 returns prepared with precision — so you claim every credit you're owed and file with total peace of mind.
Learn more
Ready When You Are
Let's get this handled properly
Book a free consultation and see how much easier working with the right advisors can be.
- Free, no-obligation consultation
- Flat, upfront pricing — no surprises
- A reply within one business day
Book a Free Consultation
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