If you’re self employed, you may not have W-2s to rely on when applying for a loan. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t get a loan for your business.
Many lenders do offer loans for self employed with no proof of income, and they often charge a lower interest rate than other types of personal loans. Lenders use your credit score, income and other factors to determine your loan eligibility.
Most lenders use tax returns to calculate your income, but you can also get a loan based on bank statements or other forms of income verification. If you want to find out if your lender will consider your self-employment income, talk to an accountant or mortgage professional first.
If you want to refinance your home, it’s important to compare at least three offers before choosing a lender. The more competition you have, the better your chances of getting a low interest rate and good terms.
It’s easier for self-employed borrowers to shop around for a mortgage than it is for salaried workers. Almost all lenders will approve your application with self-employment income, and you’ll be able to choose the loan type and interest rate you prefer.
The amount you can borrow depends on the size of your business and how much you earn. Some lenders require two years of tax returns to verify your income; other lenders may only ask for one year or even no tax returns at all.
Your tax returns are important, because they show that you have consistently earned the same amount or more over the past few years. This shows that your income will continue to be steady in the future, which helps you qualify for a loan.
Other documents that lenders use to prove your income are bank statements and business ledgers. These can be very helpful if you’re looking to refinance your home or finance another large project.
You can also use a co-signer for a loan, which makes it more likely that your application will be approved. If you have a spouse or other family member with good credit who can provide collateral for your loan, that can also help you qualify for a low-interest mortgage or refinance.
Several online lenders also do business with self-employed borrowers. They often offer unsecured installment loans to cover medical procedures, debt consolidation or major purchases.
SoFi — SoFi is an online lender that offers up to $100,000 in a personal loan to cover debt consolidation, medical expenses, home improvements and more. SoFi uses your credit score, employment history and other financial data to help decide whether to approve you for a loan.
Payoff – Payoff is an online lender that offers up to $35,000 in a loan to consolidate high-interest credit card balances. Payoff uses your tax return and Schedule C to verify your income, as well as recent bank statements for accounts where you receive income.
Stilt – If you’re an immigrant or noncitizen and need a loan, check out Stilt, which has constructed its services to accommodate the needs of these borrowers. Applying for a loan with Stilt is a quick, three-step process that can result in a loan within a couple of days.