Employees of a Foreign Government Compensation for services performed as an employee of a foreign government, without regard to citizenship, residence, or where services are performed, is not considered to be wages for social security and Medicare tax purposes. This includes services performed by ambassadors, other diplomatic and consular officers and employees, and nondiplomatic representatives. Compensation for services performed as an employee of a wholly owned instrumentality of a foreign government, without regard to citizenship, residence, or where services are performed is not considered to be wages for social security and Medicare tax purposes if: The instrumentality is wholly owned by the foreign government; The services are of a character similar to those performed in foreign countries by employees of the United States Government or of an instrumentality thereof; and The Secretary of State certifies to the Secretary of the Treasury that the foreign government, with respect to whose instrumentality exemption is claimed, grants an equivalent exemption with respect to similar service performed in the foreign country by employees of the United States Government and of instrumentalities thereof. U.S. citizens and resident aliens working for a foreign government or international organization should refer to Employees of a Foreign Governments or International Organization - How to Report Compensation for instructions on how to file their U.S. federal individual income tax returns. Employees of an International Organization The term "international organization" means a public international organization entitled to enjoy privileges, exemptions, and immunities as an international organization under the International Organizations Immunities Act (22 U.S.C. 288-288f). Compensation for services performed within or outside the United States by an employee or officer (regardless of citizenship or residence) of an international organization is not considered to be wages for social security and Medicare tax purposes. For U.S. citizens, compensation for working for an international organization is reportable as income on their U.S. federal income tax returns and is subject to self-employment tax to the extent the services are performed in the United States. Compensation for services performed in the employment of an international organization by an individual pursuant to a transfer of such individual to such international organization pursuant to section 3582 of title 5, United States Code, dealing with Government Organization and Employees, shall constitute wages for social security / Medicare Tax purposes if: Immediately before such transfer, the individual performed service with a federal agency whose wages were subject to social security and Medicare taxes, and The individual would be entitled, upon separation from such international organization and proper application, to reemployment with a Federal agency under section 3582. The term "international organization" means a public international organization entitled to enjoy privileges, exemptions, and immunities as an international organization under the International Organizations Immunities Act (22 U.S.C. 288-288f). Related Social Security Tax / Medicare Tax and Self-Employment Internal Revenue Code Section 3121(b)(11), (b)(12), and (b)(15) Income Tax Regulations 31.3121(b)(11)-1; 31.3121(b)(12)-1; and 31.3121(b)(15)-1. Internal Revenue Code Section 3121(y) Internal Revenue Code Section 1402 (c)(2)(C) Note: This page contains one or more references to the Internal Revenue Code (IRC), Treasury Regulations, court cases, or other official tax guidance. References to these legal authorities are included for the convenience of those who would like to read the technical reference material. To access the applicable IRC sections, Treasury Regulations, or other official tax guidance, visit the Tax Code, Regulations, and Official Guidance page. To access any Tax Court case opinions for cases filed on or after May 1, 1986, visit the Opinions Search page of the United States Tax Court.
