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1099 Home Loans: Qualify Using Your Real Income, Not Tax Write-Offs
- Qualify using 1099 income (no tax returns required)
- Flexible income calculation options
- In-house underwriting
- 10–21 day closing
Access loan options from 100+ lenders, matched to your situation.
- No impact on credit
- Takes 1 min
Is a 1099 loan the right choice for me?
1099 loans are designed for self-employed borrowers or independent contractors whose tax returns don’t reflect their true income due to write-offs.
A 1099 Loan may be a good fit if you:
- are self-employed or receive 1099 income
- write off significant expenses and show lower taxable income
- cannot qualify using traditional W-2 or tax return documentation
- want to use gross or adjusted 1099 income instead of net income
- are comparing bank statement loans vs. 1099 income loans
- want a more flexible path to homeownership
How 1099 Lenders Calculate Your Qualifying Income?
Unlike conventional or FHA loans, 1099 loans fall under non-QM (non-qualified mortgage) guidelines. Instead of relying on full tax returns, lenders may:
- 1099 forms are used to calculate income
- apply expense factors instead of full write-off analysis
- evaluate cash flow and consistency rather than strict employment structure
This allows borrowers to qualify based on what they actually earn, not just what they report after deductions.
Real Estate Agents & Brokers,Freelance Consultants (IT, business, marketing), Contractors & Skilled Trades (electricians, plumbers, HVAC), Healthcare Professionals (traveling nurses, locum doctors, therapists), Insurance Agents,Photographers & Videographers, Personal Trainers & Fitness Coaches, Freelance Creatives (designers, writers, developers) are all self employed professionals we’ve helped reach their goals of home ownership
1099 Loan Requirements (2026)
1099 loans are more flexible than traditional loans, but they still require a strong overall file.
Other lenders/Banks
Other
Lenders shopped
100+
Limited to 1
Non QM Loans
Yes
Limited
Minimum credit score
550
640+
DTI Requirements
55%
43%
Fast-track Underwriting
Yes
No
Approval Rate
93%
Lower
Closing time
7-21 days
30 days
Dedicated Loan Officer
Yes
No
Availability
24/7
Limited
Average response time
<1hour
<1 day
Today's live rates
See live lender rates from 100+ wholesale lenders. Customize your details to see your best available options today.
375+ Reviews from
Client Reviews: 30 Years of 5-Star Mortgage Service
For over 30 years, we’ve helped self-employed borrowers navigate complex income scenarios with more clarity, better options, and fewer last-minute surprises.
Frequently asked questions
What is a 1099 loan?
A 1099 loan is a type of non-QM mortgage designed for self-employed borrowers or independent contractors. It allows you to qualify using your 1099 income instead of traditional tax returns.
Do 1099 loans require tax returns?
Not always. Many 1099 loan programs allow you to qualify using only your 1099 forms, without full tax return analysis.
How much down payment do you need for a 1099 loan?
Most programs require 10–20% down, depending on your credit score, income strength, and overall loan profile.
What credit score do you need for a 1099 loan?
Many programs start around 600–620, but better terms are available with higher credit scores.
Does a 1099 loan have higher interest rates than conventional loans?
In some cases, yes. Because 1099 loans offer more flexibility, rates may be slightly higher.
However, they can be the only path to qualifying if tax returns limit your approval.
Can you use a 1099 loan for investment properties?
In some cases, yes. Eligibility depends on the lender, down payment, and overall loan scenario.
Ready to take the next step?
No credit impact, takes 2 minutes
- No impact on credit
- Takes 1 min
- No docs needed
