How Do You Prove Income if You are Self-Employed?

This is a tricky question with many answers! Since there are not many laws or regulations when it comes to what a bank or lender can provide for proof of income, it completely depends on the organisation. There are many pieces of paper that you can use to try and prove that you have enough income if you are self-employed, though.

2 Years of Taxes

While you can provide lenders with even less than two years of taxes, two years is a good minimum and may provide you with better interest rates and higher borrowing power. Since taxes are official government documents, they are solid proof that lenders and banks will look at carefully!

Taxes not only show what you made yearly but prove that you are responsible enough to pay the taxes necessary each year.

Invoices

Each self-employed person gets paid uniquely. If you are a person who has to submit invoices, it may be possible to use those invoices as receipts of consistent payment. This is a good option if you have not filed your taxes for the current year.

Bank Statements

Bank statements provide banks and mortgage lenders with the proof that you have money in your accounts and are getting consistent payments. While they do want to see that you have enough for a down payment and settlement costs, it is more important to companies and banks that you have consistent pay. Since the pay is monthly, you must be reliable.

Conclusion

All in all, there are a lot of things you can provide to lenders and bankers to prove your income if you are self-employed. Just because you do not have pay stubs like other work does not make your bank statements, taxes, or invoices any less valid.