How Many Years Of Tax Returns Are Required For a Mortgage?

Tax returns refer to the forms and documentation filed with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) each year to report an individual’s or business’ income, deductions, and tax liability. For mortgage applications, tax returns serve as a vital component in verifying a prospective borrower’s income and overall financial profile.

Lenders require tax returns when assessing mortgage eligibility, as they provide concrete insight into an applicant’s earnings stability, financial discipline, and ability to manage debt obligations over an extended timeframe. By thoroughly evaluating tax returns for consistency and accuracy, lenders can make informed determinations regarding loan approval and pricing.

Given this significance, most lenders require two years of recent tax returns from mortgage applicants, though additional years may be requested depending on the borrower’s financial circumstances. Preparing complete and well-organized tax returns is an essential part of navigating the mortgage origination process.

Why do lenders require tax returns?

Lenders place high importance on reviewing tax returns when evaluating mortgage applicants for several key reasons. First and foremost, analyzing tax returns enables lenders to verify the consistent income of the borrower over multiple years.

Having stable and reliable income is a core criterion in mortgage eligibility, as it demonstrates the financial wherewithal to manage recurring mortgage payments. Comparing year-over-year earnings via tax returns also allows lenders to assess the borrower’s overall financial stabilityand capacity to absorb potential income fluctuations while still meeting debt obligations.

Timely and accurate tax return filings exemplify a borrower’s financial discipline and attention to administrative responsibilities. Lenders view this as a sign of creditworthiness and a reduced default risk. In summary, tax returns offer lenders a comprehensive snapshot of a borrower’s earning power, income patterns, and money management abilities – all pivotal factors in evaluating mortgage eligibility.

How are tax returns used in the mortgage application process?

Tax returns have multiple key functions throughout the mortgage application and underwriting process. For instance, lenders use tax returns to differentiate between borrowers who earn a W-2 salary as employees versus those who are self-employed and file more complex returns. 

Tax returns also enable lenders to verify any additional sources of income, such as rental income, bonuses, dividends or capital gains. Furthermore, lenders analyze tax return deductions, as excessive write-offs could inflate income and impact debt-to-income ratios.

Overall, tax returns act as a far-reaching confirmation of both income as reported on the mortgage application, as well as supplementary earnings not evident on a standard W-2 earnings statement.

What are the general requirements for tax returns in mortgage applications?

The most common tax return requirement among lenders is two years of complete returns, which includes all schedules and forms. Providing returns for a two-year period enables lenders to evaluate earnings consistency and spot any discrepancies. However, certain situations may warrant additional tax return years, such as recent job changes, gaps in employment, income fluctuations or self-employment.

At the same time, some lenders are willing to accept only one year of returns if other application components are strong, or potentially no tax returns for those with simple earnings and excellent credit. Nonetheless, all lenders will request at least one year of tax returns, with two years being the predominant standard.

How does the tax return requirement compare with other mortgage documentation requirements?

While tax returns represent a foundational element of the mortgage application, lenders also require various supplementary materials to formulate a complete picture of eligibility. Core documents like credit reports, proof of assets and employment verification work in tandem with tax returns to paint a full financial portrait of each applicant.

Credit history and its role in mortgage approvals:

In addition to verifying income, lenders place immense importance on applicant credit history, as evidenced through credit reports from the three major bureaus – Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Credit history provides insights into payment patterns, outstanding debts, and overall financial diligence, while tax returns focus more closely on income trends.

Strong credit history demonstrates fiscal accountability, and is required for mortgage eligibility regardless of income size. Furthermore, many common tax returndeductions, like mortgage interest and property taxes, provide hints of existing credit history. So while distinct, credit reports and tax returns offer interconnected insights for underwriting.

Proof of assets and its significance:

Along with income verification via tax returns, lenders also require proof of assets in the form of bank statements, investment portfolio summaries, retirement account balances, and real property records. This enables assessment of both liquid assets, like cash holdings and securities, along with non-liquid assets, namely real estate equity and auto ownership.

Large liquid assets can potentially supplement income, while sufficient non-liquid assetsare required for down payments. Since tax returns often indicate asset-generated income like dividends or rentals, they serve to corroborate the asset documentation provided during the mortgage application process.

Employment verification and its relevance:

Lenders also depend on direct employment verification to authenticate the occupational and income information included on applications. This generally entails communicating with an applicant’s employer via phone, email or letter to confirm their job title, dates of employment, and current salary.

Unlike tax returns which demonstrate earning trends over time, employment verification validates current income essential for mortgage qualification. However, tax returns still hold significance, as income reported to the IRS should match employer-confirmed compensation. So tax returns work hand-in-hand with direct employer verification to endorse income legitimacy.

Tips for Streamlining the Mortgage Application Process

Keeping tax returns organized:

To facilitate mortgage approvals, it is critical for applicants to keep their tax return records comprehensive, consistent, and readily accessible. Filers should be diligent about submitting tax returns on time annually and retaining complete copies along with evidence of e-filing or mailing.

Digital tools like online investor portals and accountant software can greatly assist with tax return organization. Additionally, seeking professional assistance from an accountant or tax preparer is wise for more complex filings. Well-organized tax return records demonstrate financial responsibility and simplify verification for lenders.

Staying informed about lender-specific requirements:

Because lender guidelines fluctuate, it is prudent for mortgage applicants to directly communicate with lenders early in the process to confirm their specific tax return requirements, including how many years are needed. Working with an experienced mortgage broker is also beneficial, as they serve as liaison between borrower and lender to relay documents, answer questions, and inform applicants of various lender stipulations. Being proactive with information gathering is key.

Preparing supplementary documentation:

While diligent tax return preparation is critical, applicants should also get their supplementary materials like bank statements, investment records, credit reports, and employment verification drafts organized well in advance of formally applying. Identification and resolution of any documentation gaps ahead of submission allows sufficient lead time before closing. Starting this process early provides a leg up.

Are digital tax return copies acceptable for mortgage applications?

In tandem with the rise in e-filing and digital preparation of tax returns, many lenders allow digital copies of returns to be submitted as part of the mortgage origination process. This is contingent on the digital tax returns being complete legitimate copies, including all supplemental schedules and forms reflecting a filer’s unique identification numbers.

While some traditional lenders may still require physical tax returns for record-keeping, most contemporary institutions accept digital return copies as email attachments or via borrower online portals. However, in certain cases lenders may request digital copies to be notarized prior to submission. Applicants should verify with each lender their specific digital or physical tax return submission policies when collating mortgage documentation.

Conclusion

Submitting recent, complete tax returns represents an indispensable component of qualifying for a mortgage, enabling lenders to validate income stability and evaluate borrower financial diligence. While the predominant industry standard is two years of returns, requirements fluctuate based on borrower profile and lender guidelines. Yet regardless of specific tax returnstipulations, all lenders emphasize their importance when making mortgage decisions.

Diligent filers who submit returns consistently and keep meticulous digital or physical copies readily available demonstrate financial accountability that streamlines the application process. Along with organizing supplementary documents like credit history, assets and employment verification, being proactive with tax return preparation proves paramount.

With mortgage eligibility hanging in the balance, applicants should seek guidance from lenders, mortgage brokers and tax professionals to ensure a smooth documentation process. By tackling tax returns and supplementary materials methodically, prospective borrowers place themselves on solid footing for mortgage approval.