Many self-employed Americans faced financial hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic due to shutdowns, quarantines, illness, and lost income. Congress responded with the Self-Employed Tax Credit (SETC), which consists of Sick Leave and Family Leave Tax Credits, offering relief of up to $32,220 to eligible workers for the 2021 tax year. 

In this blog post, we'll dive into what the SETC is, who qualifies, and how Solo users can easily apply through our partner, SETC Pros, a team of tax professionals who have made it their mission to help independent workers take full advantage of these historic tax credits before they expire. We will also outline the steps to apply for the 2021 tax season to receive this credit. 

What is the Self-Employed Tax Credit (SETC)? 

Created in 2022 under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), the SETC offers independent contractors and gig workers valuable tax credits to offset financial hardships experienced during the 2021 tax year. Over 30 million Americans qualify, but many are unaware of the program. 

The SETC provides relief for those whose ability to work was directly affected by COVID-19, including missed workdays and lost income. This could apply to workers who:

  • Battled the virus itself 
  • Underwent COVID-19 testing 
  • Were quarantined or isolated 
  • Cared for family members affected by the virus 
  • Experienced childcare disruptions due to COVID-19 closures

Through SETC Pros, a partner of Solo's, self-employed workers have an opportunity to apply for the SETC for the tax year 2021 and potentially receive a non-taxable refund of up to $32,220 issued by the IRS. 

Who Qualifies for the SETC? 

To qualify for the SETC, you must meet a few key requirements:

  • Self-Employed Status: Gig workers, 1099 contractors, single-member LLCs, sole proprietors (with or without employees), including those who work remotely may all be eligible. 
  • COVID-19 Impact: You must have been directly impacted by COVID-19 and experienced work loss due to illness, testing, caregiving, or mandated shutdowns. Examples include: some text
    • Quarantine: Government-mandated lockdowns or isolation orders related to COVID-19 exposure. 
    • Illness: Caring for someone in quarantine or isolation, caring for a child impacted by school closures, or experiencing COVID-19 symptoms requiring medical diagnosis. 
    • Vaccination: Time missed for COVID-19 vaccination appointments or experiencing side effects. ‍
    • Childcare: Caring for children due to school closures, virtual learning, or unavailable childcare providers due to COVID-19.

SETC Pros: Your Professional Guidance to Claiming the SETC

Solo has partnered with SETC Pros, a team of tax professionals dedicated to helping self-employed individuals navigate the complexities of claiming this historic tax credit before it expires. SETC Pros offers a simple, streamlined application process for independent workers. 

Here's how SETC Pros can help: 

  • Hassle-free, secure, and paperless application 
  • End-to-end application process takes under 10 minutes 
  • Proprietary, IRS compliant software pre-fills your necessary documents for you with 100% accuracy 
  • Zero-risk guarantee: You only pay after you receive your refund 
  • If you owe back taxes, SETC Pros will work with you to clear those up at a reduced rate 
  • 1:1 customer support to answer your questions at support@setcpros.com

How to Apply for the SETC with SETC Pros 

Ready to claim your potential tax refund from the IRS? Here's how to get started: 

  • Visit the SETC Pros website and click "Start Application.”
  • Answer a few simple questions and verify your identity. 
  • Track your refund status through your secure customer portal.

Solo & SETC Pros: Partnering for Your Success 

Solo is proud to partner with SETC Pros to bring this valuable opportunity to our community of independent workers. We understand the unique challenges you face and are dedicated to helping you maximize your financial benefits. Don't miss out on this chance to claim your well-deserved tax relief. Apply for the SETC today!

Start your application to estimate your refund with SETC Pros today. Have questions? Email SETC Pros support at support@setcpros.com.
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