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What documents do you need for pre-approval?

Fear not, pre-approval is NOT as scary as it sounds. Set aside 30-60 minutes over a weekend to find the documents you’ll need. Chances are, they are available for download in various accounts you have. Most lenders will ask for the same documents, but there can be variations. Let’s start collecting!

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1. Previous 2 years tax returns 🤑

Tips:

  • If you use an online platform like TurboTax, your returns will be available for download as PDFs in your dashboard.
  • If you use an accountant or tax preparer to file your taxes, they will have sent you digital copies of your returns. If you can’t find them, just shoot them an email asking for the last 2 years. 
  • If you have not filed taxes in either of the past 2 years, you will want to talk with your lender and see what alternatives might be available to you.

2. Previous 2 years W2's 🤓

Tips:

  • These are given to you by your employer before tax season each year.
  • If your employer uses an HR platform like Gusto, ADP, JustWorks, or another type of benefits and HR platform, they will be available for download in your dashboard.
  • If you can not find your last 2 year W2 statements, email your employer and they will send them to you.
  • If you do not have 2 years of W2’s, email your lender to see what alternatives might be available to you. You do NOT need to be employed as W2 employee for 2 of the past years to qualify, but might need different documentation.

3. Paystubs from past 30 days 💰

Tips:

  • These are given to you by your employer. 
  • If you do not get a digital copy and only receive a paper copy, you can take a photo of it and upload that.
  • If you can not find paystubs from the past 30 days, email your employer and they will send them to you.

4. Two most recent paystubs 🎫

Tips:

  • If you use online banking (almost all banks now), these will be available for download in your dashboard. 
  • Note some lenders will want 2 months of bank statements and not necessarily your two most recent. (Some banks send bi-weekly or weekly statements)
  • If you can not find your bank statements online, go to your bank in-person and ask for printed bank statements. You can take photos of these and upload them.

5. A copy of a non-expired ID 🪪

‍Tips:

  • This can be a driver’s license, state issued ID, military issued ID, passport, permanent resident card, employment authorization card.
  • If you do NOT have any of these types of ID, please ask your lender what alternatives might be available to you.

6. IF you are self-employed, 2 years of P&L statements 📊

Tips:

  • Some lenders might require more documents if you own your own business.

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Ready to get pre-approved?