You may still qualify using alternative documents like bank statements or profit-and-loss forms instead of tax returns.
Many people assume that you can’t get a mortgage without providing tax returns — but that’s no longer true. Today, lenders offer several programs designed for self-employed borrowers, business owners, freelancers, contractors, or anyone whose tax returns don’t accurately reflect their real income. These programs rely on alternative documentation to calculate qualifying income, making homeownership possible even without traditional tax filings.
One of the most common options is a bank statement mortgage. Instead of reviewing tax returns, the lender analyzes 12–24 months of personal or business bank statements to determine average monthly income. This approach works well for borrowers who write off a large portion of their business expenses, causing their taxable income to appear much lower than what they actually earn.
Another alternative is a profit-and-loss (P&L) loan, which uses a CPA-prepared P&L statement—sometimes alongside bank statements—to verify income. Some lenders also offer asset-based mortgages, where borrowers qualify using their liquid assets rather than traditional income documentation. These options can be especially useful for retirees, investors, or individuals who recently transitioned to self-employment.
While these programs give you more flexibility, they still require lenders to verify that you can realistically afford the payment. Expect to provide strong credit, consistent income deposits, and a reasonable down payment. The exact requirements vary by lender, but many borrowers find these alternative-doc loans to be far more accessible than conventional tax-return-based underwriting.
In short, yes — you can get a mortgage without a tax return. The key is choosing the right loan program and working with a lender who specializes in self-employed or non-traditional borrowers.
