What does it mean to say "Sch SE-T Max deferral line 18 must be entered"?

[BalloonArtist]

UPDATE:  TT suggested I use my computer based TT program to contact them.  I did so today.  My frustration was that all the 'work-arounds' were not as good as a change by TT.  I called them today, talking first with a TT staffer, and then with a CPA.  The essence of the solution was to first make the SE-T not zero as the system created, but to simply erase it in the box and on the form.  Then go through to the Review which showed no problems and then go through to the point of submitting it.  It seemed to work, and the SE-T was essentially resolved.   The staff were all cordial, supportive and looking for solutions.  Nice to hear & experience.  

[martycampfield]

I do not want to defer the payment of SE taxes, so I just entered a "0" in the Error Code that said, "Sch SE-T Max deferral line 18 must be entered" and the error was fixed. Is this OK?

[JamesG1]

That's fine if it will clear Review and allow you to e-file.

The self-employment tax deferral is an optional benefit.  It is also a deferral rather than forgiveness, so those amounts will eventually need to be repaid. Half of the deferred amount is due on December 31, 2021, and the other half is due on December 31, 2022.

[TubroTaxSucks]

Is there a current fix for this? I'm about to use H&R Block. I have deleted this form multiple times and it keeps doing the same **bleep** thing. This is keeping me from filing. The instructions given earlier in the thread are for older TT versions. You are about to loose a ten year customer!!!!! Error message says 0 to to big of an entry and the instructions on this form make no sense.

[TubroTaxSucks]

I simply deleted the "0" and left block 18 blank and it fixed the bug! Happy filing, F-off TT

[LRyan1]

I had to delete the "0" that was in the box. Once I did this and it was blank, it processed!

[hunt0524]

Thank you.  I was about to delete the form and saw your response.  Worked for me too.

[liren]

I don't want to defer at all. So I put 0 on line 18. It went through. The review showed no errors. Yeah!

[MTMorris]

Thank you @DawnC for your helpful instructions on deleting a form, but this does not address why this error is happening, why the Smart Check feature does not include a link to the area that requires a change, or how to know if we need this form or not. TurboTax should be be able to take me directly to the section that requires a review - especially since I wasn't asked any questions about delaying paying a portion of  my Social Security taxes during the original entries.

How do I find out if I need this fom or not? r

[MTMorris]

Thank you @JamesG1, but why hasn't TurboTax fixed this bug?

[MatthewMrHope]

it's so weird, I have the downloaded version, I delete the se-t form and it immediately comes back with the same error.  I have a business loss.  If I add money line 18 problem goes away, when I put it back to a loss, line 18 is back and it won't do anything.  Please help.  Blessings

[Bencs]

What if it is a negative number due to Covid?  It won't accept zero when I put it in.  It says that it is too large of a number.  I think it is a glitch in the TurboTax software.

[JamesG1]

You may very well have a negative number but a negative self-employment income will not generate a self-employment tax. The purpose of this feature of the tax code is to defer self-employment tax owed.

The self-employment tax deferral is an optional benefit.  It is also a deferral rather than forgiveness, so those amounts will eventually need to be repaid. Half of the deferred amount is due on December 31, 2021, and the other half is due on December 31, 2022.

[mcked06]

I'm lost as well.  Getting frustrated.  I had a net SE loss in 2020.  I certainly could take 9/12 of the loss and enter it on the line.  But since I have no SE - I shouldn't be required to file the form anyway.  I tried entering 0 on line 18, I tried negative numbers.  I've deleted the form, only to have it pop back up when I run the federal review again.  I've tried to file the return, but it won't go through with the error.  What do I have to do to get this through?

[CatinaT1]

To get past this screen so you can file your taxes, you need to update Schedule SE-T. 

  

The process: delete Sch SE-T, take a quick run through of the self-employment to recalculate Sch SE-T, and then turn off the Max Deferral. 

  

To do this in TurboTax, follow these steps: 

  

First, delete Sch SE-T that applies by following these steps: 

1. From the left menu, select Tax Tools. 

2. Select Tools. 

3. Scroll to Delete a Form. 

4. Scroll to Sch SE-T, select Delete, confirm the deletion. 

Next, to replace Sch SE-T, return to the self-employment income & expenses interview in the Income & Expenses section and select Edit/Add. 

1. Select Edit for your business. 

2. Scroll down to Done so that the Sch SE is recalculated.  

3. Finish any other questions in the self-employment interview and click Continue.  

Lastly, revisit the section for the Self-employment tax deferral entry: 

1. Return to the Deductions & Credits section. 

2. Scroll to Tax relief related to COVID-19 and Show More. 

3. Select Self-employment tax deferral and select Revisit. 

4. Answer Yes at the next screen to get back to Let's start by getting your eligible income. 

   1. If you do not want to defer any self-employment income, "Enter your eligible self-employment income" should be blank. 

      1. Select Continue. 

   2. At Tell us how much you'd like to defer, "Enter amount" should be blank. 

      1. Select Continue. 

5. Scroll down and select Wrap up Tax Breaks and Continue. 

6. Run through the Federal Review again.