FICA Exemption

During the academic year, students are exempt from paying FICA taxes. Bowdoin strictly follows the federal guidelines for FICA Exemption. Students may not work more than 20 hours per week while classes are in session in order to maintain compliance with the FICA exemption which requires education to be each student's primary pursuit at the college. 

During the summer, when students are not enrolled in classes, students work hours are limited to 40 hours per week. (See policy on Working Hours.) Each student will then begin to see FICA taxes withheld on their paychecks.