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Are taxes withheld at the source by the employer?

Under the H-1B visa, employers typically withhold taxes directly from your paycheck: federal and state taxes, along with Social Security and Medicare contributions. Here is why the exact amount varies from case to case.

Written by

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Updated on July 13, 2026
1 min read
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Yes. Under the H-1B visa, taxes are generally withheld at the source by the sponsoring employer. The U.S. system works this way: by the time you receive your paycheck, a portion has already been set aside to cover your tax obligations.

This withholding typically covers federal taxes, state taxes (where applicable), and contributions such as Social Security and Medicare. The employer calculates the deductions according to the applicable rules and remits the amounts to the relevant agencies, helping both the employee and the employer stay current.

Keep in mind that the exact amount withheld varies based on individual factors, such as the state where you work and the information you declare. For this reason, keep your details up to date with your employer and review your tax documents throughout the year.

For specific questions about deductions or the correct completion of tax forms, the best approach is to consult a tax professional and check the official IRS guidelines, as tax rules change over time.

Learn more about H-1B

Initial validity
3 years
Extension
Up to 6 years total
Annual cap
85,000 visas
Processing
6-12 months
All about H-1B

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.

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Are taxes withheld at the source by the employer?

Under the H-1B visa, employers typically withhold taxes directly from your paycheck: federal and state taxes, along with Social Security and Medicare contributions. Here is why the exact amount varies from case to case.

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