Don’t Miss Out: The Last Chance to Claim the SETC and ERC Tax Credits

Introduction
Time is running out for self-employed individuals and employers with more than 50 employees to take advantage of two groundbreaking tax credits: the Self-Employment Tax Credit (SETC)** and the Employer Retention Credit (ERC). Recently updated under the new administration, these programs offer significant financial relief—but the window to apply is closing fast. Here’s why you should act now, how much you could potentially recover, and why partnering with a reputable organization specializing in these credits is your best bet. As of this writing current deadlines are April 15th 2025.

1. What Are the SETC and ERC, and Why Should You Care?
- SETC: Designed for self-employed individuals, this credit provides relief for lost income due to COVID-19-related disruptions. It covers sick leave, family leave, and other qualified expenses.
- ERC: Aimed at businesses with more than 50 employees, this credit rewards employers who kept staff on payroll during the pandemic, offering up to $26,000 per employee.

These credits are not loans—they are direct refunds or reductions in tax liability, meaning-real money back in your pocket.

2. How Much Could You Potentially Recover?
- SETC: Self-employed individuals could recover up to $32,220 depending on their income and qualified leave days.
- ERC: Employers could receive **up to $26,000 per employee**, with no cap on the total amount. For a business with 50 employees, that’s a potential **$1.3 million** in refunds.

These are life-changing amounts for many businesses and individuals—money that can be reinvested, used to pay off debt, or saved for future stability.

3. Why the Risk of Audits and Mishaps Is Low
- The IRS has streamlined the process for these credits, and the updated guidelines under the new administration have made eligibility clearer.
- Reputable organizations specializing in these credits ensure compliance with all IRS requirements, minimizing the risk of audits or errors.
- These credits were created to provide relief during an unprecedented crisis, and the IRS is focused on helping eligible applicants, not penalizing them.

4. Why Aren’t CPAs and Accountants Promoting These Credits?
- Complexity**: The application process is time-consuming and requires specialized knowledge. Many CPAs and accountants are overwhelmed with their existing workloads.
- Lack of Expertise: These credits are highly specific, and many professionals lack the experience to navigate the nuances effectively.
- No Incentive: Since CPAs often charge by the hour, the extensive work required for these credits may not align with their business model.

While the SETC (Self-Employment Tax Credit) and ERC (Employer Retention Credit) offer incredible financial opportunities, many self-employed individuals and business owners are left wondering: *Why hasn’t my CPA or accountant told me about this?* The answer lies in a combination of practical challenges, structural limitations, and the unique nature of these credits. Here’s a deeper look at why many CPAs and accountants aren’t actively promoting these programs:

A. The Complexity of the Credits
The SETC and ERC are not your average tax deductions or credits. They come with intricate eligibility requirements, detailed documentation needs, and constantly evolving guidelines—especially with recent updates under the new administration. For example:
- The ERC requires businesses to demonstrate specific impacts from COVID-19, such as revenue declines or government-mandated shutdowns.
- The SETC involves calculating qualified sick and family leave days, which can be particularly nuanced for self-employed individuals.

For many CPAs and accountants, who are already juggling tax season deadlines, payroll processing, and ongoing client needs, diving into the complexities of these credits is a significant time commitment—one they may not have the bandwidth for.

B. Lack of Specialized Expertise
While CPAs and accountants are highly skilled in general tax preparation and compliance, the SETC and ERC are highly specialized programs. They require a deep understanding of:
- IRS guidance specific to pandemic-related relief.
- The interplay between these credits and other COVID-19 relief programs, such as PPP loans.
- Industry-specific impacts and eligibility criteria.

Many tax professionals simply don’t have the experience or training to confidently navigate these programs. Without specialized knowledge, they may fear making errors that could lead to audits or delays—risks they’re unwilling to take on behalf of their clients.

C. Misaligned Incentives
Most CPAs and accountants operate on a fee-for-service model, charging by the hour or a flat rate for their work. The SETC and ERC applications are labor-intensive, often requiring dozens of hours to gather documentation, perform calculations, and submit claims. For many tax professionals, the time and effort required to process these credits don’t align with their standard billing structures.

Additionally, since these credits are retroactive and involve amending prior-year tax returns, they fall outside the scope of many accountants’ regular services. This creates a disincentive to promote or pursue them, even though they could provide significant value to their clients.

D. Overwhelmed Workloads
The pandemic created a tidal wave of new tax laws, relief programs, and compliance requirements. CPAs and accountants have been inundated with client requests, IRS updates, and the need to adapt to rapidly changing regulations. Many are simply too overwhelmed to take on additional work—especially for programs as complex as the SETC and ERC.

E. Fear of Liability
Tax professionals are understandably cautious about recommending programs that could potentially trigger IRS scrutiny. While the risk of audits for these credits is low when handled correctly, the fear of making a mistake or misinterpreting the guidelines can deter CPAs and accountants from promoting them.

F. Lack of Awareness
Believe it or not, some CPAs and accountants may not even be fully aware of the SETC and ERC—or the recent updates that have expanded eligibility. Tax laws are constantly changing, and not every professional stays up-to-date on every new development, especially if it falls outside their usual scope of practice.

What This Means for You
The fact that your CPA or accountant hasn’t mentioned these credits doesn’t mean you’re ineligible—it simply means they may not have the time, expertise, or resources to help you navigate them. This is where partnering with a specialized organization can make all the difference.

Reputable firms that focus exclusively on the SETC and ERC have the knowledge, experience, and systems in place to handle these claims efficiently and accurately. They work on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid if you receive your credit, so they have a vested interest in maximizing your claim.

While CPAs and accountants play a critical role in managing your finances, the SETC and ERC require a level of specialization that many simply can’t provide. Don’t let their limitations prevent you from claiming the money you’re entitled to. By working with a trusted organization that specializes in these credits, you can ensure your claim is handled correctly—and secure the financial relief you deserve.

What Next:
If your CPA hasn’t mentioned the SETC or ERC, it’s time to take matters into your own hands. Contact [Your Organization Name] today to see how much you could recover—before it’s too late.

This expanded section provides a thoughtful, professional, and human-sounding explanation of why CPAs and accountants may not be promoting these credits, while also guiding readers toward a solution. Let me know if you’d like further adjustments!

5. Why Partnering with a Reputable Organization Is Your Best Bet
- Specialized Expertise**: Organizations that focus exclusively on the SETC and ERC have the knowledge and experience to maximize your claim while ensuring compliance.
- Contingency-Based Model: Reputable firms work on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid if you receive your credit. If they don’t believe you qualify, they’ll tell you upfront—saving you time and effort.
- Efficiency: These organizations streamline the process, handling all the paperwork and IRS communications so you can focus on running your business or managing your finances.

6. The Urgency: Why You Must Act Now
- The deadlines to apply for these credits are fast approaching, and once they pass, the opportunity is gone forever. The deadline as of this writing is April 15th, 2025
- The longer you wait, the more you risk missing out on thousands—or even millions—of dollars in potential refunds.

The SETC and ERC are once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to recover significant funds lost during the pandemic. With the risk of audits low and the potential rewards high, there’s no reason to delay. However, navigating these programs requires expertise and precision—something best handled by a reputable organization specializing in these credits.

Don’t let this final chance slip away. Take action today to secure the financial relief you deserve.

Contact United Business Solutions today for a free, no-obligation assessment. Let us help you determine your eligibility and maximize your claim—before it’s too late.


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