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Level 4
June 21, 2026
Question

Question on Sch SE, Part III, Maximum Deferral of Self-Employment Tax Payments.

  • June 21, 2026
  • 1 reply
  • 47 views

I'm working on a 2020 tax return & I see an option to use a Maximum Deferral of Self-Employment tax payments. What is the consequence of using it now? The client is trying to get prior-year returns done so he can ap0ply for an Offer In Compromise. Can someone please tell me if this is an option for him & what consequences might result from doing it? Thank you! 

1 reply

Intuit Community Champion
June 21, 2026

The deferral was a temporary relief measure only for 2020 it did not reduce the overall tax liability. 

  • Repayment Deadlines:! The deferred payments were legally required to be paid in two equal installments: 50% by December 31, 2021, and the remaining 50% by December 31, 2022, so if you are just filing 2020 it will do you no good to check the box, as the tax is already past due