Introduction

The Self-Employed Tax Credit (SETC) is a valuable financial relief program introduced under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) to support self-employed workers 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 owner, independent contractor, 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 issues, 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 give 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 requires amending your 2020 and/or 2021 tax returns:

• Gather required documents, like 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 offers much-needed financial support to self-employed individuals whose livelihoods were disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. If learn more 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.