Home Mortgage Application: Understanding Proof of Income
Buying a new home is exciting, but it comes with a fair share of paperwork, especially when applying for a mortgage. One crucial component lenders will analyze is your proof of income. Let’s take a look at what proof of income involves, document examples, and where to find them.
What is Proof of Income?
Proof of income is documentation that verifies your earnings. Lenders require this to ensure you have a steady income stream capable of covering your mortgage payments. This documentation provides lenders with a clear picture of your financial health and helps them determine how much you can afford to borrow.
Document Examples
- Pay Stubs
- What it is: These are documents you receive from your employer, detailing your earnings for each pay period.
- Where to find them: Typically, your employer issues these either physically or electronically. If you don’t have copies, your HR department can assist.
- W-2 Forms
- What it is: This form reports your annual wages and the taxes withheld by your employer.
- Where to find them: Employers provide W-2 forms at the end of each year. You can also access them via your employer’s payroll service.
- Tax Returns
- What it is: These documents are filed with the IRS and include your reported income, deductions, and other pertinent financial information.
- Where to find them: Copies can be found in your records or requested from your accountant or the IRS.
- Bank Statements
- What it is: These statements detail your monthly deposits, withdrawals, and balances.
- Where to find them: Available through your bank’s online banking portal or by requesting them from your bank.
- Employment Verification Letter
- What it is: A letter from your employer confirming your employment status, job title, and salary.
- Where to find them: Your HR department can typically provide this upon request.
- Social Security Statements
- What it is: Documentation of benefits received from Social Security.
- Where to find them: Accessible via the Social Security Administration’s website or by mail.
- Profit and Loss Statements
- What it is: For self-employed individuals, this document summarizes your income and expenses over a specific period.
- Where to find them: These can be prepared by your accountant or financial software.
Why is Proof of Income Important?
Lenders use proof of income to assess the risk of lending to you. By reviewing these documents, they can confirm your ability to repay the loan. Ensuring all your documentation is accurate and up-to-date can expedite the approval process and enhance your credibility as a borrower.
Tips for Organizing Your Documents
- Keep Copies: Always retain copies of your income documentation for at least a few years.
- Stay Organized: Use digital folders or a filing system to keep track of your documents.
- Update Regularly: Make sure to update your records regularly, especially if your income situation changes.
Embarking on the home-buying journey is exciting, but be prepared. Understanding what proof of income is and knowing where to find the necessary documents, you will be one step closer to securing your dream home.
It’s more common these days to have non-traditional income that doesn’t fall into the W-2 category. Many people work in what is referred to as the “gig economy,” where income might come from a variety of freelance sources.