Introduction

The Self-Employed Tax Credit (SETC) is a significant financial relief program established under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) to support self-employed people impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The SETC provides refundable tax credits of up to $32,220 for eligible self-employed workers who were unable to work due to COVID-related circumstances in 2020 and 2021.

SETC Tax Credit Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the SETC tax credit, you must:

• Be self-employed (sole proprietorship, freelancer, gig worker, or partnership member)


• Have filed a Schedule SE (Form 1040) for 2020 or 2021, reporting positive net income and paying self-employment taxes


• Have been unable to work or telework due to COVID-19 related reasons, such as having the virus, being under quarantine, or caring for someone affected by the pandemic


• Claim the credit for eligible time periods between April 1, 2020, and September 30, 2021

If you have both self-employment income and W-2 earnings, you may still be eligible, but your SETC will be adjusted to prevent double-dipping if you received paid leave benefits through your employer under the FFCRA.

SETC Tax Credit Benefits

The SETC tax credit can offer substantial financial relief to self-employed individuals:

• Up to $32,220 in refundable tax credits for 2020 and 2021 combined


• Credits are based on your average daily self-employment income and the number of days you were unable to work due to COVID-19


• The average credit amount is around $9,000, but can vary based on individual circumstances


• SETC is not taxable income and does not add to your tax burden

How to Claim the SETC Tax Credit

Claiming the SETC tax credit involves amending your 2020 and/or 2021 tax returns:

• Gather required documents, including 2019-2021 tax returns, Schedule SE, and records of COVID-impacted days


• Complete IRS Form 7202 for the applicable tax years to calculate your credit amount


• Amend your tax returns (Form 1040-X) to claim the credits


• Submit amended returns and wait for the IRS to process your refund (can take up to 20 weeks)

Many self-employed individuals opt to work with a tax professional to ensure accuracy and maximize their credit. Services typically charge a processing fee plus a percentage of the credit received.

SETC Tax Credit Deadlines

The deadlines for claiming the SETC tax credit are:

• For 2020 taxes: April 15, 2024


• For 2021 taxes: April 15, 2025

It’s important to file amended returns claiming the SETC before these deadlines to receive your credits.

Conclusion

The Self-Employed Tax Credit gives much-needed financial support to self-employed people whose livelihoods were disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. If how to apply for the setc tax credit qualify based on the eligibility criteria, amending your 2020 and 2021 tax returns to claim the SETC can give substantial tax relief of up to $32,220. With the April 15, 2024 deadline approaching for 2020 credits, now is the time for self-employed workers to explore this valuable opportunity.