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Self-employed and cannot show tax returns for mortgage

You built a successful business, but the tax system that rewards write-offs punishes you when you apply for a mortgage. It is one of the most frustrating paradoxes self-employed borrowers face: the better your accountant, the worse you look on paper. The good news is that an entire category of loan products exists specifically for business owners like you, and they do not require tax returns at all.

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  • You are not alone -- thousands of people search this every month
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Why This Happens

Understanding the common reasons -- and knowing that each one has a path forward.

  1. 1
    Business write-offs and deductions reduce taxable income well below actual earningsSolution exists
  2. 2
    Inconsistent income from year to year makes traditional qualification difficultSolution exists
  3. 3
    Recently self-employed with less than two years of tax returnsSolution exists
  4. 4
    Complex business structures that make income calculation confusing for traditional lendersSolution exists

There's Always a Path Forward

Being denied feels overwhelming, but it doesn't mean your homeownership dream is over. Our specialists work with challenging situations every single day.

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Your Options Right Now

Apply for a Bank Statement Loan

Bank statement loans qualify you based on 12 to 24 months of personal or business bank statement deposits rather than tax returns. Lenders calculate your average monthly income from the deposits and use that for qualification. This is the most popular loan product for self-employed borrowers who write off heavily.

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Explore 1099-Only Income Programs

If you receive 1099 forms as a contractor or freelancer, some lenders offer programs that use your 1099 income directly without requiring full tax returns. These programs average your 1099 income over one to two years and can be faster and simpler than bank statement documentation.

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Consider an Asset Depletion Loan

If you have significant savings, investments, or retirement accounts, asset depletion programs calculate a monthly income figure by dividing your total assets by a set number of months, typically 240 to 360. This approach works well for business owners who reinvest profits and have substantial net worth but show low taxable income.

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Plan Tax Strategy Around Future Mortgage Goals

If you plan to apply for a traditional loan in the future, work with your accountant to balance tax savings with mortgage qualification. Showing higher income on one to two years of returns while still taking legitimate deductions can open the door to conventional and FHA programs with lower rates.

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Speak with a licensed NMHL loan officer who specializes in self-employed mortgages — no obligation, no judgment.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Bank statement loans, 1099 income programs, asset depletion loans, and profit-and-loss statement loans all allow you to qualify without traditional tax returns. These Non-QM products were specifically created for self-employed borrowers, business owners, and entrepreneurs whose taxable income does not reflect their true earning power. Interest rates are typically one to two percent higher than conventional loans, but they make homeownership accessible when traditional documentation falls short.

You provide 12 to 24 months of personal or business bank statements. The lender calculates your qualifying income based on average monthly deposits, typically using 50 to 100 percent of business account deposits or 100 percent of personal account deposits after analyzing the pattern. For example, if your business account shows average monthly deposits of 20,000 dollars, the lender might use 10,000 to 15,000 dollars as your qualifying monthly income depending on their expense factor.

Most bank statement loan programs require a minimum credit score of 620 to 660 and a down payment of 10 to 20 percent. Better credit scores and larger down payments unlock lower interest rates. Some lenders may accept scores as low as 580 with a 20 percent or larger down payment. Having 6 to 12 months of cash reserves after closing also strengthens your application significantly.

Bank statement loan rates are typically one to two percent higher than conventional mortgage rates. On a 400,000 dollar loan, this translates to approximately 250 to 500 dollars more per month compared to a conventional loan. Many self-employed borrowers find this premium worthwhile because it allows them to purchase now and build equity while continuing to take business deductions. You can also refinance into a conventional loan later if your tax situation changes.

Speak with a licensed NMHL loan officer who specializes in self-employed mortgages — no obligation, no judgment.

We will reach out at a time that works for you. No pressure, no obligation.