This post is published in partnership with GigBack. Participation in the GigBack tax credit program is voluntary and not required to work for Qwick. The following is not legal advice. Please contact GigBack and/or your tax professional with any questions.
We don’t have to tell you about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the hospitality industry—you lived it. But today, we bring it up for good reason: you could be eligible for a tax credit through the Sick and Family Leave Tax Credit.
We’ve partnered with GigBack to offer Qwick professionals, and any interested gig workers, an easy way to see if they qualify and apply for these credits. Spoiler alert: If you were self-employed in 2021 and missed work due to COVID-19, caring for a family member with COVID-19, government shutdowns/mandates, or childcare closures, there’s a good chance you might!
What is the Sick and Family Leave Tax Credit and how does it work?
The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges to the hospitality industry, especially for self-employed individuals like freelancers and gig workers. To provide financial support, the Self-Employed Tax Credit (SETC) was introduced under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) and later expanded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
The Sick and Family Leave Tax Credit offers direct financial relief for those who had to stop working due to illness, caregiving responsibilities, or pandemic-related disruptions. Since self-employed individuals don’t receive traditional employee benefits like sick leave or family benefits, this credit is designed to help bridge that gap and provide some relief after what was a difficult time period for many.
If you had to take time off during 2021 due to COVID-19-related reasons, you could qualify for this refundable credit. This includes:
- Personal illness or quarantine
- Caring for a family member affected by COVID-19
- Managing childcare when schools were closed
- Government mandates or shutdowns
If approved, the IRS will refund these credits directly to your bank account.
Why does this matter for Qwick professionals?
As a freelancer, you are running your own business and you deserve to be well-supported in your self-employment journey. We know you have a lot on your plate and that every dollar counts. Here’s what makes this tax credit a game-changer:
- Individuals are eligible for up to $32,200 in relief: Find out what your tax credit could be with this estimate calculator!
- No repayment required: This is not a loan or a deduction; it’s a refundable tax credit—meaning the money is yours to keep.
- Streamlined application: GigBack simplifies the entire application process, so you can apply in minutes, then sit back and let their expert CPAs handle the rest.
Getting started is easy.
To see if you qualify and get started with your application, head to the Qwick x GigBack hub and fill out the estimate calculator. From there, complete the form and GigBack will walk you through the application process. Plus, as a special for Qwick pros, GigBack is waiving their processing fee (normally $150!) so you can get started for free. GigBack receives 20% of your total return for their services, but it is only paid if the tax credit is delivered by the IRS, so you won’t owe anything out-of-pocket.
The deadline to claim this credit is April 15, 2025, but there’s no reason to wait. The sooner you apply, the sooner you can access these funds. You’ve worked hard—now it’s time to make sure you’re compensated for any pandemic-related setbacks.
Questions?
Head to the Qwick x GigBack hub to learn more about the Sick and Family Leave Tax Credit, the GigBack process, and see answers to frequently asked questions!
CALCULATE YOUR POTENTIAL REFUND TODAY.
If you qualify, GigBack will help make the application process a breeze.
