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Can I get a mortgage if I'm self-employed?

Quick answer

Yes. Self-employed buyers can qualify for conventional, FHA, VA and USDA loans using two years of personal and business tax returns, with income averaged after deductions. If write-offs reduce your taxable income too much, non-QM bank-statement loans qualify you using 12–24 months of deposits instead, usually with 10%+ down and a higher rate.

By Purchase Mortgage Loan Editorial Team Checked against official sources per our editorial standardsLast updated
Min. down: 3%–10%Min. credit: 620–660

What documents do self-employed borrowers need?

  • Two years of personal federal tax returns (all schedules).
  • Two years of business returns (1120S, 1065 or 1120) if applicable.
  • Year-to-date profit and loss statement.
  • Business license or CPA letter verifying the business.
  • Recent personal and business bank statements.

Full-doc vs bank-statement loans

Full documentationBank-statement (non-QM)
Income sourceTax returns12–24 months of deposits
Down payment3%–5%+Usually 10%+
RateMarketTypically higher

Self-Employed loans by state

Self-Employed loans in AlabamaSelf-Employed loans in AlaskaSelf-Employed loans in ArizonaSelf-Employed loans in ArkansasSelf-Employed loans in CaliforniaSelf-Employed loans in ColoradoSelf-Employed loans in ConnecticutSelf-Employed loans in DelawareSelf-Employed loans in District of ColumbiaSelf-Employed loans in FloridaSelf-Employed loans in GeorgiaSelf-Employed loans in HawaiiSelf-Employed loans in IdahoSelf-Employed loans in IllinoisSelf-Employed loans in IndianaSelf-Employed loans in IowaSelf-Employed loans in KansasSelf-Employed loans in KentuckySelf-Employed loans in LouisianaSelf-Employed loans in MaineSelf-Employed loans in MarylandSelf-Employed loans in MassachusettsSelf-Employed loans in MichiganSelf-Employed loans in MinnesotaSelf-Employed loans in MississippiSelf-Employed loans in MissouriSelf-Employed loans in MontanaSelf-Employed loans in NebraskaSelf-Employed loans in NevadaSelf-Employed loans in New HampshireSelf-Employed loans in New JerseySelf-Employed loans in New MexicoSelf-Employed loans in New YorkSelf-Employed loans in North CarolinaSelf-Employed loans in North DakotaSelf-Employed loans in OhioSelf-Employed loans in OklahomaSelf-Employed loans in OregonSelf-Employed loans in PennsylvaniaSelf-Employed loans in Rhode IslandSelf-Employed loans in South CarolinaSelf-Employed loans in South DakotaSelf-Employed loans in TennesseeSelf-Employed loans in TexasSelf-Employed loans in UtahSelf-Employed loans in VermontSelf-Employed loans in VirginiaSelf-Employed loans in WashingtonSelf-Employed loans in West VirginiaSelf-Employed loans in WisconsinSelf-Employed loans in Wyoming

Frequently asked questions

Sometimes, if you previously worked in the same field as an employee and your income is stable.

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Figures on this page are estimates for educational purposes only and are not a loan offer or commitment to lend. Rates, loan limits, fees and assistance programs change frequently and vary by lender, location and borrower profile. Confirm current terms with a licensed loan officer.