Bank Statement Loans for the Self-Employed
If you are self-employed, your tax returns are written to show less, that is the whole point of good bookkeeping. The problem is a traditional mortgage reads that same low net income and says you cannot afford much. A bank statement loan solves it by qualifying you on the money that actually flows through your accounts.
How you qualify
Instead of W-2s and tax returns, the lender reviews 6 to 24 months of your personal or business bank statements and uses your deposits to establish income. No tax returns are required. It is a full, legitimate loan program, just underwritten to the reality of how business owners are actually paid.
Who it fits
Business owners, 1099 contractors, gig and commission earners, and anyone whose tax-return income understates their real cash flow. If you have been told you "do not make enough" on paper despite a healthy business, this is usually the program that was missing.
What to have ready
Your most recent 6–24 months of bank statements and a photo ID to start. Depending on the file, the lender may ask for a business license or a CPA letter confirming your ownership percentage. Valerie shops this across 200+ lenders, because bank-statement terms vary widely from one to the next.
Quick answers
Do I need tax returns for a bank statement loan?
No. That is the defining feature, you qualify on bank deposits over 6–24 months instead of W-2s or tax returns.
How many months of statements do lenders want?
Usually 12 or 24 months, though some programs accept 6. More months can strengthen the file. Valerie matches you to the lender whose window fits your business.
Are the rates higher than a conventional loan?
Pricing is file-specific and changes daily, so there is no single answer. Because Valerie shops 200+ lenders, the goal is the best available terms for your profile, get a personalized quote rather than a rule of thumb.
Educational only, not a rate quote or loan offer. Programs, rates, and pricing vary by file and change daily. Valerie Sala · DRE #02006466 · NMLS #383851.