You make the call

Question: Cesar is a plumber, with a Schedule C business. On May 6, 2020, his son, Cesar Jr., who is 10 years old was diagnosed with coronavirus by a test approved by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Cesar was told by his doctor to quarantine since he was exposed and to care for his child until further notice. Cesar was unable to work for 60 days since he was taking care of his child. Cesar’s tax preparer is reading about Form 7202 and is wondering, does Cesar qualify for the sick leave credit for certain self-employed individuals?

Answer: Yes. Cesar can claim the refundable credit for the applicable days on his 2020 tax return. He can do so by filing Form 7202, Credits for Sick Leave and Family Leave for Certain Self-Employed Individuals, which is attached to his Form 1040.

The credit is limited to the lesser of 100% of average daily self-employment income or $511 per day ($5,110 in total) if the self-employed individual is:

1. Subject to a federal, state, or local quarantine or isolation order related to COVID-19
2. Advised by a health care provider to self-quarantine due to concerns related to COVID-19; or
3. Experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 and seeking a medical diagnosis

The qualified sick leave equivalent amount is limited to 67% of average daily self-employment income or $200 per day ($2,000 in total) if the self-employed individual is:

1. Caring for an individual who is subject to a federal, state, or local quarantine or isolation order related to COVID-19, or who has been advised by a health care provider to self-quarantine due to concerns related to COVID-19
2. Caring for a child whose school or place of care is closed, or childcare provider is unavailable due to COVID-19 precautions; or
3. Experiencing a substantially similar condition specified by the government