Being Self-employed can be an annoyance when you want to obtain financing. This is due to the fact that most traditional lenders are more comfortable lending to those that are employed because there is more predictability that way. When it comes to bad credit loans, this is especially true. However, it is still possible to obtain financing with bad credit if you are self-employed.
The main problem that a self-employed applicant will run into is the fact that he will need to show proof of income in order to obtain finance. Yet, there are ways around this requirement. The other problem is that for self-employed people, credit requirements tend to be harsher than for people who are employed. Yet, there are still ways of obtaining finance with bad credit if you are self-employed.
The Credit Requirements Issue On Loans For Self-Employed
As stated above, credit requirements are harder for those that cannot show an undoubted proof of income and thus need to resort to stated income loans. And if you need a bad credit loan because unexpected circumstances have dropped your credit score, getting approved may become a very difficult task. The solutions are mainly two: A Co-signer or Collateral.
There are not many ways around this issue without a co-signer or collateral. Unless your income is extremely good and you can show proof via tax presentations in which case you will have to accept exorbitant interest rates, you will need to provide the lender with some kind of guarantee. A co-signer with a good credit score can be the solution or else, you can resort to applying for a secured loan instead of an unsecured one, using a property as collateral.
Showing Proof Of Income For Bad Credit Loans
Depending on the loan amount that you need, you may need to further document your income in order to get approval. There are certain unsecured loans for small amounts that will not require too much documentation in order for you to qualify for them. However, when it comes to larger loan amounts, you will need to provide full proof of your income or else, you will be declined for the bad credit loan you seek.
Stated income is always a possibility but it implies worst terms on your bad credit loan. In this case, you will only need a letter from your CPA stating that you are self-employed. No actual proof of the amount of your income will be needed. The problem is that for those with bad credit, unless you provide some sort of collateral, the availability of bad credit loans with advantageous terms is scarce.
As to the actual documentation you will need to present if you are self-employed and want a regular bad credit loan, it is really fairly simple. You need to show proof of your income and since you are self-employed, you have no paycheck copies or receipts. Thus, you will need to provide copies of your tax presentations. Each lender has different requirements but you may be required to present the copies of up to three years back of your tax presentations. If you need assistance, your CPA can provide it.