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Introduction
The Self-Employed Tax Credit (SETC) is a important 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 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 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 people:
- 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, 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 workers opt to work with a tax professional to ensure accuracy and maximize their credit. SETC tax credit refund amounts for freelancers 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 is important to file amended returns claiming the SETC before these deadlines to receive your credits.
Conclusion
The Self-Employed Tax Credit provides much-needed financial support to self-employed workers whose livelihoods were disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. If you qualify based on the eligibility criteria, amending your 2020 and 2021 tax returns to claim the SETC can provide 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 investigate this valuable opportunity.
