Frequently Asked Questions
Here are our top and common FAQs below. If you have a specific question in mind, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Top FAQ's
Here’s how the Advance Funding Option works:
When you select the "Advance Funding" option, you'll first print and sign your documents. Then, mail them to the IRS via certified mail. After mailing, simply upload a picture of the receipt with tracking information to your customer portal.
SETC Pros and/or the bank will track when the IRS receives your documents. Once confirmed, we’ll process your advance funding request. Within 3 to 5 days of the IRS receiving your filing, you’ll receive your refund by direct deposit, minus our 20% processing fee and the 10.5% bank advance fee.
Since the IRS pays interest on the SETC claim, in most cases, the interest you receive from the IRS will cover the cost of the advance funding fee.
To check the status of your application and see live updates, simply visit your customer portal at https://myportal.setcpros.com.
In the portal, you can track your application’s progress in real-time. If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected]. We’re here to help every step of the way!
Your file status shows "Do Not Qualify" because, based on the IRS transcripts we received, you don't meet the requirements for the Sick Leave Credit for 2021. This could be due to a few reasons:
- You didn’t have any self-employment income in 2021.
- The credit has already been claimed.
- No return was filed for 2021.
We’ve sent you an email specifying which of these reasons applies to your situation. According to IRS regulations, you don’t qualify for the Sick Leave or Family Leave Credit for 2021. Our program works in conjunction with the tax transcripts on file with the IRS.
We recommend consulting with a tax professional for further clarification. Thank you for applying with SETC Pros!
The "Prepared By" section with the signature required is left blank because the calculations for the Sick Leave and Family Leave Credit are performed by our proprietary software. Our software is designed to accurately calculate and maximize your SETC refund, following all IRS rules for qualifying and claiming these credits. To ensure accuracy, our Chief CPA randomly audits files to verify that the software is optimizing refunds for every applicant.
Similar to how TurboTax provides software to help individuals with tax return calculations, we are a software-based company assisting clients with calculations for amended returns. According to IRS guidelines, it would be incorrect for us to sign as an individual preparer, just as TurboTax does not sign returns that their software assists with.
Once you sign and mail your amended return, if the IRS has any questions or needs additional information to process your claim, SETC Pros will continue assisting you throughout the process. If your file requires review by a CPA or enrolled agent, it will be escalated to the appropriate channels.
The system will automatically maximize your 2021 refund amount. In some cases, clients may also qualify for certain 2020 benefits based on missed workdays due to COVID-19. The system will automatically calculate and maximize your benefit for both 2021 and any applicable carry-forward from 2020. All you need to do is complete the application, and we will handle the rest to ensure you receive the maximum benefit possible.
Yes, if you filed as Married Filing Jointly (MFJ) in 2021, both you and your former spouse must sign the current 1040 and 1040X forms for the SETC refund, even if you are now divorced or separated.
If your former spouse is deceased, you may need to include a copy of their death certificate when mailing the final documents to the IRS.
If you received a letter from the IRS asking you to call them, please reach out to the IRS as soon as possible. Typically, the IRS will need to verify your identity or address in order to complete the processing of your Sick Leave and Family Leave Credit refund.
Taking action quickly will help ensure your claim is processed without further delay.
If the IRS link is not showing your claim as being processed, don't worry — this can happen. Many of our clients who submitted both their 2020 and 2021 amended returns in separate envelopes have reported that the 2021 return shows as being processed, but the 2020 return can take over 16 weeks to even appear as "in process."
In many cases, the IRS will send a letter after 16 weeks, either to verify your address for sending your refund check or to confirm your identity.
If you don't see your 2020 return being processed, it's important to call the IRS immediately to ensure there are no issues delaying your refund. You can reach an IRS live agent at 800-829-1040 or use their automated system at 866-464-2050.
If you've already called the IRS and they reported "No 2020 docs received," please let us know so we can escalate your case for further review.
If you've received an IRS letter requesting additional documentation or a resubmission, please email a copy of that letter to [email protected]. Once we receive it, our team will review the letter and promptly notify you of the next steps to complete the process.
Please make sure to forward any IRS letter requesting additional documentation to [email protected] so we can assist you efficiently.
If your IRS refund has not been received yet, but the transcript shows that the IRS issued payment, we recommend checking both your bank statements and your mail. The IRS may have either directly deposited your refund into your account or mailed you a paper check.
If you can't locate the refund, you can also call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 for further assistance.
Once you’ve checked your bank statement and contacted the IRS if needed, please feel free to reach out to us again for further support. The processing fee was debited after the IRS payout was issued according to the transcript.
Form 8821 is a form used by our partner, Chart, to officially request tax transcripts from the IRS. SETC Pros does not send this form to the client or the IRS.
Only Chart sends Form 8821 directly to the IRS for requesting transcripts. The forms that SETC Pros provides to clients are related to the 2021 amendment process, which include the 1040-X, 1040, Schedule 3, and Form 7202.
Additionally, SETC Pros provides Form 8888, which specifies the account for the IRS to deposit your refund.
Form 8888 tells the IRS where to deposit your refund. For clients using Chase Bank or PNC Bank, after entering your routing and account number on Form 8888 and printing it, the form will not display your actual account information. Instead, it will show a "tokenized" routing and account number.
This "tokenized" number is encrypted for your security and privacy. If you are using Chase or PNC Bank, the routing and account number shown on the printed Form 8888 is tokenized. You can contact your bank (Chase or PNC) to confirm the correct routing and account information.
The IRS stated that “Self-Employed Tax Credit” is not the official name of the program. Instead, it is an industry term used to describe the program, which is officially known as the Sick Leave Tax Credit (for self-employed individuals) and the Family Sick Leave Tax Credit. On the SETC Pros intake page, you will only see questions related to these two categories—Sick Leave Tax Credit and Family Sick Leave Tax Credit.
The IRS also warned about scammers filling out tax documents for individuals who do not qualify, and charging a fee. At SETC Pros, we never charge a fee to qualify clients. We inform you upfront about how much you qualify for, and we only qualify individuals who had self-employment income in 2021. Additionally, we only use IRS-provided transcripts, ensuring that only those who meet the IRS guidelines for self-employment income and missed workdays due to COVID-19 qualify for the credit.
Another concern was scammers applying for the wrong tax year. At SETC Pros, we focus solely on 2021 applications, as outlined by the IRS.
Rest assured, when you apply with SETC Pros, we will only perform calculations and qualify you for a refund if you meet the specific criteria set by the IRS.
Do you have any other questions? Feel free to check your Customer Portal for updates, and don’t hesitate to call us if you need assistance.
Common FAQs
To apply, simply follow the link that you were provided to setcpros.com. The application process is very easy and only takes about 5 minutes.
You will not need to upload any documents. We retrieve your records electronically from the IRS so that we may provide you with a quote. The only item you will need is your ID, as the system will require an ID verification to ensure that nobody else can apply for you except you.
Generally you need to have filed a tax return with a Schedule C, as all self employed people do. As long as you have a positive net income you should qualify for the program. Once you click through and fill out the basic fields, the system will qualify you.
Those who qualify for the SETC program can claim up to $32,220.
YES. As long as you had any self-employment income in either 2020 or 2021 and you had a Schedule C on your tax return, then you likely have money waiting that you are entitled to. Please apply so you can claim it.
Any self-employment income qualifies, as long as it shows on your Schedule C from your tax returns from 2020 or 2021. Our system will check that for you and ensure you receive all monies you are entitled to.
We do all the work for you. The only thing you need to do is complete the application including ID verification. Then after we generate your final documents, you will receive exact instructions to sign and mail those directly to the IRS so they may process your refund and issue the refund to you.
YES. After May 17, 2024, the ability to claim part of this credit from the 2020 tax year will depend on each person’s prior filing date and each person’s missed days of work due to Covid restrictions & quarantine.
No. The credit for 2020 and 2021 must be claimed prior to any deadlines.
Claiming the SETC does not affect any other aspects of your tax return.
Our system will only claim the credit for those who meet the IRS criteria. If a filing is done incorrectly in any way, then the IRS would simply reject the filing and require a correction prior to re-filing.
YES. Any person who worked as a 1099, Sole Proprietor, Single member LLC, and some limited partnerships can claim the credit. Anybody who filed a tax return with a Schedule C in 2020 or 2021 can claim the credit.
YES. If you go back to our site at setcpros.com and scroll down, you will find a wealth of information on this program including a link directly to the IRS pages that describe the program in detail, in IRS wording. Additionally, you can find answers to virtually any question on our FAQs.
The calculations for your refund were run through a 6-point auditing system to insure accuracy of every calculation. You can be assured that we have maximized your SETC refund to claim every dollar that you are entitled to. When you receive your final documents for signing, you will be able to see all calculations on all documents.
You will either need to reapply or have the CS agent input the correct information. If the Agent inputs the correct information, they will report this to the Data manager who will send it to our tech team to get in the IRS documents and the calculations segment.
Upon submitting payment for a prepaid invoice (or upon submitting banking info for post-paid), you will receive final documents to sign and send to the IRS. Once submitted to the IRS, it is between 12 to 20 weeks for them to process and issue the refund to you.
Yes, eligibility for this tax credit is specifically tailored to self-employed individuals, including small business owners, freelancers, and 1099 contractors.
To apply, simply follow the link that you were provided to setcpros.com. The application process is very easy and only takes about 5 minutes.
The Sick and Family Leave Tax Credit is a financial support measure designed for self-employed individuals and 1099 workers, created under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). This legislation enables eligible individuals (gig workers, 1099, small business owners, certain partnerships, etc.…) to claim a refundable tax credit. Since its creation, this historic tax credit was specifically aimed at providing relief for those unable to work or telework due to certain circumstances related to COVID-19.
Key aspects of this tax credit include:
(1) Qualified Sick Leave Credit:
It covers up to 100% of qualified sick leave equivalent amounts, subject to a maximum of $511 per day.
The calculation is based on the lesser of $511 per day or 100% of the individual's average daily self-employment income.
This applies to days when an individual was unable to work due medically recommended or government ordered quarantine and/or isolation due to COVID-19, personally experiencing symptoms and seeking a diagnosis, or caring for someone under quarantine or with symptoms of COVID-19.
(2) Qualified Family Leave Credit:
The credit also extends to qualified family leave, covering up to 67% of the average daily self-employment income, with a maximum benefit of $200 per day.
This is applicable for days when an individual could not work because they were required to care for a child whose school or care facility was closed due to COVID-19.
These credits were established as part of broader effort by Congress to provide financial support to those impacted by the pandemic, acknowledging the unique challenges faced by self-employed individuals and independent contractors.
You will not need to upload any documents. We retrieve your records electronically from the IRS so that we may provide you with a quote. The only item you will need is your ID, as the system will require an ID verification to ensure that nobody else can apply for you except you.
Generally you need to have filed a tax return with a Schedule C, as all self employed people do. As long as you have a positive net income you should qualify for the program. Once you click through and fill out the basic fields, the system will qualify you.
Perfect, you’re all set. Now, simply visit our qualification form above, honestly answer the questions, and our technology will retrieve your past year’s tax data from the IRS. Once that information is received, we will provide you with your realized, maximum tax benefit under this program. Our process only takes a few minutes to complete. Best of all, checking your eligibility is 100% free.
Our proprietary process eliminates the need to upload any tax documents. Our significant corporate partnerships allow SETC Pros to securely retrieve your pertinent tax data from the IRS at no expense to you.
There is No Cost to Apply, and it only takes a few minutes to complete your SETC refund application. Another advantage to applying through SETC Pros is our proprietary process that eliminates the need to upload any tax documents. Once you’ve submitted your application, we typically receive your IRS data within about three to five business days and will calculate your SETC refund amount.
Once your SETC refund amount is calculated, please look to receive an official notice with your total maximum SETC refund amount. Included will be a banking information request so that we can debit your account for our fee AFTER you receive your SETC refund from the IRS. Alternately, if you’d prefer to use a charge card this is acceptable. If you owe back taxes in the amount of $500 or more, we will send you a pre-paid invoice to pay our fee.
Next, you will receive an email to log into your SETC Pros Customer Portal to access and print your necessary IRS forms to be completed, signed and mailed to the IRS via the Post Office (USPS). Once received by the IRS, processing typically takes between four (4) and sixteen (16) weeks.
Please note, per recent IRS information, the 2021 refund will be issued by direct deposit.
Those who qualify for the SETC program can claim up to $32,200.
YES. As long as you had any self-employment income in either 2020 or 2021 and you had a Schedule C on your tax return, then you likely have money waiting that you are entitled to. Please apply so you can claim it.
YES. If you had Zero positive business income on your Schedule C, or a loss, in 2021, then you likely will not qualify for the SETC. Please take a look at your Schedule C from your taxes and check line 29 or 31 or Net Profit or Loss… If that number is a zero or a negative, then you would not qualify for anything under the SETC. If you see a positive number at the bottom of your Schedule C, then please email us the image of that Schedule C and we will look into that further.
If you have any questions or need assistance at any point during the process, please know that we are here to support you. Our dedicated team is always ready and available to help with any inquiries or concerns you might have. You can easily reach out to us through our designated contact channels, and we'll ensure that you receive the necessary guidance and clarification. We're committed to making this process as smooth and understandable as possible for you.
No, there are no upfront fees when you choose SETC Pros. Checking your eligibility and official maximum SETC refund amount is 100% free. We are dedicated to making our services as accessible and hassle-free as possible.
Our fee structure is designed so that charges are only applied AFTER you have successfully received your Self-Employed Tax Credit Refund. Yes, for those who owe nothing in back taxes, we simply deduct our fee from your bank AFTER your funds are direct deposited into your bank account by the IRS. To ensure security and client privacy, SETC Pros has proudly partnered with Stripe® to obtain and transmit all payment information.
If you do owe back taxes, don’t worry, SETC Pros will provide you with various payment options to help you clean up some, or hopefully all, of those burdensome back taxes. In many cases, we can completely eliminate any back taxes owed and still put funds into our client’s pockets. We absolutely love being a part of our client’s financial success stories.
YES. As long as you had any self-employment income in either 2020 or 2021 and you had a Schedule C on your tax return, then you likely have money waiting that you are entitled to. Please apply so you can claim it.
Any self employment income qualifies, as long as it shows on your Schedule C from your tax returns from 2020 or 2021. Our system will check that for you and insure you receive all monies you are entitled to.
Yes. We are currently helping taxpayers claim the SETC for the 2021 tax year. The deadline to file an amended 2021 tax return to claim the SETC is April 15, 2025.
We do all the work for you. The only thing you need to do is complete the application including ID verification. Then after we prepare your final documents, you will receive exact instructions to sign and send those directly to the IRS so they may process your refund and disperse to you.
YES. After May 17, 2024, the ability to claim part of this credit from the 2020 tax year will depend on each person’s prior filing date and each person’s missed days of work due to covid restrictions & quarantine.
No. The credit for 2020 and 2021 must be claimed prior to any deadlines.
The amount of your Self-Employed Tax Credit is determined based on a combination of key factors, including:
(1) Net Income: Your net business income, as reported on Schedule C of your 2020, and/or 2021 tax returns, is a critical factor. This provides a baseline for calculating your maximum potential credit. Per IRS guidelines, you may use the greater of your net business income for the tax year in which the credit is claimed or that of the previous year. Thus, for tax year 2021, you may use the greater of 2020 or 2021 to establish your maximum daily benefit. Our proprietary AI driven software quickly identifies which combination is most advantageous for you in every instance.
(2) Sick Days and/or Quarantine: The number of days you were unable to work due to being sick, medically quarantined, and/or under governmental isolation or quarantine orders due to COVID-19 will directly impact the calculation.
(3) Caregiving Duration: If you spent time caring for an individual affected by COVID-19, the duration of this caregiving is considered.
(4) School or Daycare Closures: The length of time you needed to care for a minor child because their school or daycare center was closed due to COVID-19 is also a factor.
Checking your official maximum refund amount with SETC Pros is always 100% free of charge. Our process only takes minutes to complete, and submissions are confidential.
Yes, if both the taxpayer and their spouse have self-employed income, they are both eligible to claim the Self-Employment Tax Credit individually. It's crucial to understand, though, that they cannot overlap or share qualifying COVID-related days for which they claim the credit. Each individual's claim must be based on their own specific circumstances and periods of inability to work due to COVID-19.
An Advanced Funding Option that allows you to receive your refund within 30 days is coming January 1st, 2025! This option lets you access your funds much faster, without waiting the usual 4-6 months for IRS processing. It's not a loan, so there’s nothing to pay back. Stay tuned for more details on how to take advantage of this streamlined refund process!
