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OPT Fair Tax Act

USA119th CongressHR-8972| House 
| Updated: 5/21/2026
Glenn Grothman

Glenn Grothman

Republican Representative

Wisconsin

Ways and Means Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This bill, known as the OPT Fair Tax Act , proposes significant changes to the tax treatment of F-1 visa holders engaged in optional practical training (OPT). It specifically amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and the Social Security Act to redefine "employment" for tax purposes. The core provision removes the existing exemption for F-1 visa holders participating in OPT from paying taxes under the Federal Insurance Contribution Act (FICA) and the Social Security Act . This means that income earned by F-1 students during their OPT period would become subject to these federal payroll taxes, which currently they are often exempt from for a certain duration. The amendments would apply to services performed in calendar months beginning after the bill's enactment.
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Timeline
Sep 30, 2025

Latest Companion Bill Action

S 119-2940
Introduced in Senate
May 21, 2026
Introduced in House
May 21, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
  • September 30, 2025

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    S 119-2940
    Introduced in Senate


  • May 21, 2026
    Introduced in House


  • May 21, 2026
    Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

OPT Fair Tax Act

USA119th CongressHR-8972| House 
| Updated: 5/21/2026
This bill, known as the OPT Fair Tax Act , proposes significant changes to the tax treatment of F-1 visa holders engaged in optional practical training (OPT). It specifically amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and the Social Security Act to redefine "employment" for tax purposes. The core provision removes the existing exemption for F-1 visa holders participating in OPT from paying taxes under the Federal Insurance Contribution Act (FICA) and the Social Security Act . This means that income earned by F-1 students during their OPT period would become subject to these federal payroll taxes, which currently they are often exempt from for a certain duration. The amendments would apply to services performed in calendar months beginning after the bill's enactment.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline
Sep 30, 2025

Latest Companion Bill Action

S 119-2940
Introduced in Senate
May 21, 2026
Introduced in House
May 21, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
  • September 30, 2025

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    S 119-2940
    Introduced in Senate


  • May 21, 2026
    Introduced in House


  • May 21, 2026
    Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
Glenn Grothman

Glenn Grothman

Republican Representative

Wisconsin

Ways and Means Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted