Self-employed mortgage documents checklist.

Most lenders ask for

• Personal tax returns, last 2 yearsAll pages and schedules, including Schedule C or Schedule E.
• Business tax returns, last 2 yearsIf you own an S-corp, partnership or corporation: Form 1120-S, 1065 or 1120, with K-1s.
• Year-to-date profit and loss statementCovering this year so far. Some lenders want it signed, or prepared by your accountant.
• Business bank statements, last 2 monthsAll pages, for every business account.
• Personal bank statements, last 2 monthsAll pages, even the blank ones.
• Photo IDFront and back.

Sometimes asked for

• 1099s, last 2 yearsIf you're paid as a contractor.
• Business license or registrationProof the business has existed for at least 2 years.
• Letter from your CPAConfirming you're self-employed and the business is active.
• Year-to-date balance sheetMostly for larger businesses.
• Letter explaining a drop in incomeIf this year or last year was lower than the year before.

What usually holds things up

• Tax returns that write off so much that the income on paper looks too low. Talk to the lender before you file, not after.
• Missing schedules. Lenders want the whole return, not just the first two pages.
• Mixing business and personal money in one account. Lenders have to sort it out, and that takes time.
• A P&L that doesn't line up with the bank deposits.

Questions

How long do I need to be self-employed to get a mortgage?
Many lenders want 2 years of self-employment history. Some accept less if you worked in the same field before.

What is a bank statement loan?
Some lenders offer loans based on 12 to 24 months of bank deposits instead of tax returns. Rates are often higher.

Do I need my accountant involved?
Not always, but a CPA-prepared P&L or a CPA letter can speed things up.

Updated November 2026. Every lender, landlord and preparer is a little different, so treat this as a starting list, not legal or tax advice.