Self-Employed Tax Credit (SETC)
At the Found Money Project, we help self-employed individuals claim money they didn’t even know they qualified for. When you know where to look, you’d be surprised what’s still out there.
Self-Employed Tax Credit (SETC) — LIMITED AVAILABILITY
Late Filers Only — Open Through October 15, 2025
If you were self-employed in 2021 and filed late, you may still qualify for the Self-Employed Tax Credit (SETC) under FFCRA/ARPA. This page matches the style of your other program pages and highlights the Express Refund option.
Why Apply Now
- Built for freelancers, contractors, gig workers, stylists, realtors, trades, and other Schedule C/SE earners
- No upfront cost to check eligibility
- Guided support with our partner SETC Pros
- Express Refund option available for qualifying refunds (details below)
CTA: Check Eligibility at SETCPros.com
What This Program Is
The SETC provides refundable sick and family leave credits to self-employed individuals impacted by COVID-19 disruptions in 2021. Depending on your facts and limits, some filers may qualify for up to $32,220. Availability is limited to 2021 late filers through October 15, 2025.
Express Refund — Spotlight
Get funded fast on approved SETC refunds with our partners’ Express Refund option.
- Typical funding window: about 5–7 days **after approval**
- Minimum estimated refund typically required: $3,000+
- No upfront cost to apply; eligibility and approval required
- Advance terms, fees, and disclosures provided before you proceed
- Express funding does not change IRS processing timelines; it advances expected refund proceeds subject to approval
CTA: See If You Qualify — SETCPros.com
Who Qualifies
- Positive self-employment earnings in 2021 (e.g., 1099, Schedule C/SE)
- Qualified COVID-19 impact in 2021 (sick/family leave under FFCRA/ARPA)
- Filed late for 2021 and within window through October 15, 2025
- Not claiming via S‑Corp/C‑Corp wages or W‑2 employment
Qualifying COVID-19 Impacts (Examples)
- Unable to work or telework due to your own COVID-19 symptoms/diagnosis
- Caring for a family member with symptoms/diagnosis
- Government orders limiting your ability to work (closures, capacity limits)
- School/childcare closures or quarantine that interrupted your ability to work
How It Works
- Check eligibility at SETCPros.com (no cost).
- Confirm details — your 2021 self-employment and COVID-19 impact.
- File or amend as needed — claim FFCRA/ARPA sick/family leave credits for 2021.
- Express Refund (optional) — if eligible and approved, receive funds in ~5–7 days.
- Track & receive — final timing and any IRS interest are subject to IRS processing.
What You’ll Need (Typical)
- Proof of self-employment and net earnings for 2021 (e.g., Schedule C/SE)
- Dates and circumstances of COVID-19 impacts in 2021 (sick/family leave days)
- Basic identification and contact information for status updates
Why Work With SETC Pros
- Expert guidance focused on self-employed credits
- Streamlined, step-by-step experience
- No upfront cost to check eligibility
- Transparent, compliance-first approach
Why Work With SETC Pros
- Expert guidance focused on self-employed credits
- Streamlined, step-by-step experience
- No upfront cost to check eligibility
- Transparent, compliance-first approach
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but limited. The program is open only to late filers for 2021 through October 15, 2025. Standard filing windows are otherwise closed.
Amounts vary based on self-employment income, impacted days, and FFCRA/ARPA limits. Some filers may qualify for up to $32,220, but actual amounts depend on your facts and calculations.
An optional advance on an approved SETC refund provided by our partners, generally available for refunds above $3,000. If approved, funds are typically disbursed in about 5–7 days. Terms, eligibility, and any fees are disclosed before you proceed. Express funding does not speed up IRS processing; it advances expected proceeds subject to approval.
To check eligibility, you’ll answer a few questions. If you appear eligible, you’ll provide information to confirm 2021 self-employment and COVID-19 impact periods. Your guide will explain exactly what’s needed.
SETC is designed for self-employment income (Schedule C/SE). W‑2 wages from a corporation generally do not qualify for the self-employed SETC.
How long will it take to receive a refund from the IRS?
IRS timing varies and is outside our control. If you opt into Express Refund and are approved, you can receive an advance in about 5–7 days, subject to eligibility and terms.
Is there a cost to apply?
There’s no cost to check eligibility. Any costs associated with services or Express Refund advances are disclosed before you proceed.
Compliance & Notes
- Program window: 2021 late filers through October 15, 2025
- Subject to IRS processing: refund amounts and timing depend on IRS review
- No guarantees: outcomes, timing, and eligibility are not guaranteed
- Express Refund subject to approval, eligibility, and terms
Minimum Requirements
View our requirements below to see if you qualify for a refund.
- About 30 to 50+ Million People Are Eligible
- Single Member LLCs
- Independent Contractors
- Sole Proprietors
- Freelancers
- Gig Workers
- Beauty Industry Professionals
- Construction Trades
- Realtors
- Uber/Lift Drivers
- And Many More
- If you were self-employed and unable to work due to any of the following:
- Diagnosed with COVID-19?
- Cared for a family member?
- Unable to go to work or telework?
- Government shutdowns?
- School/childcare closures?
- Forced quarantine?
- Related symptoms?
- The following conditions apply:
- Must have been self-employed in 2021 and receiving 1099 / Schedule C income
- Must have experienced a qualified COVID-19 disruption (impacted)
- Must have self-employment earnings in 2021 (Unsure? It's free to check!)
- S-Corps, C-Corps, and W-2 income are not eligible
