Can I Get a Mortgage with 1099 Income Without Tax Returns?

Yes, you can obtain a mortgage with 1099 income even without tax returns—and no, you don’t need any secret handshake or a Hogwarts letter. I’m a Denver mortgage broker who frequently assists self-employed individuals, independent contractors, and gig-economy professionals to qualify using actual cash flow instead of the “after-write-offs” figure on their returns. I utilize a range of non-QM mortgage options—such as 1099-only mortgage, bank statement mortgage, P&L-only mortgage, DSCR loan for investors, and asset-depletion mortgage—to accurately represent your income without requiring a lengthy tax return.

Here’s the deal in plain English. A 1099 mortgage lets us use 12–24 months of YTD statements to calculate your qualifying income. If your income shows up as deposits, a bank statement mortgage averages 12-24 months of business or personal statements to show what actually hits your account—underwriters love consistent deposits almost as much as I love good coffee. If your books are immaculate (or your CPA is a spreadsheet wizard), a P&L-only mortgage can use a year-to-date Profit & Loss—often with a short look at recent bank statements—to qualify without tax returns. Buying an investment property? A DSCR loan in Denver or anywhere in Colorado looks at whether the market rent covers the payment; your personal tax returns often sit this one out, and many programs even allow title in an LLC. Sitting on strong savings but light reportable income? Asset-depletion mortgages can turn those liquid assets into qualifying income without a single Schedule C cameo.

Now, let’s talk trade-offs. These no tax return mortgage options swap documentation type for flexibility. You’re showing income with 1099s, bank statements, P&L, rental coverage, or assets instead of tax returns. In exchange, expect a somewhat higher down payment, solid reserves, and pricing that’s typically a smidge higher than conventional loans. Translation: more “prove it with deposits” and a little “bring snacks for the underwriter.” Your credit score, cash reserves, and consistency can all improve terms, so if you’ve been treating your checking account like a magic hat, maybe let’s keep the rabbits to a minimum for a few months.

My process is simple and drama-free. First, we hop on a quick 10-minute fit call to pick your lane—1099-only, bank statement, P&L-only, DSCR, or asset-depletion—based on how you actually earn. Then I do a fast document check and mini pre-underwrite so you get an offer-ready pre-approval without surprise plot twists. You’ll know your numbers, timeline, and what it’ll take to close. Pro tip while we’re bonding: keep business and personal money in separate accounts, label transfers like a grown-up, and don’t rely on cash that never touches a bank—if it doesn’t hit the account, underwriters treat it like Bigfoot: interesting but not qualifying.

A few rapid-fire FAQs I get every week: “Can I really qualify without tax returns?” Yes—these non-QM mortgage programs exist for exactly that. “Do I need two years self-employed?” Often yes in the same field, though some options allow 1+ year with strong compensating factors. “Are rates higher?” Usually a bit, because you’re getting flexible documentation. “Can I buy in an LLC with a DSCR loan?” Often yes, program-dependent. “Can I refinance later into conventional?” Absolutely—once your tax returns or income profile fit the box, we can look at a rate-and-term or cash-out refi. See? Not scary. More like adulting with paperwork and slightly better jokes.

If you’re a 1099 earner: realtor, contractor, designer, consultant, creator and your tax returns make you look “poor on paper,” I’m your friendly neighborhood mortgage nerd. I help self-employed buyers qualify using the method that matches their reality: 1099-only mortgage, bank statement mortgage, P&L-only mortgage, DSCR loan, or asset-depletion mortgage.

Ready to see your options? Book a 10-Minute Fit Call with me or start your pre-approval so you can shop with confidence.

Compliance whisper so the lawyers sleep at night: programs, guidelines, and pricing vary by lender and can change without notice; this is not a commitment to lend; all loans are subject to credit approval and acceptable collateral; Equal Housing Opportunity. For the SEO elves, this page naturally includes phrases like mortgage with 1099 income, no tax return mortgage, bank statement mortgage, 1099-only mortgage, non-QM mortgage, P&L-only mortgage, asset-depletion mortgage, DSCR loan, and Denver/Colorado mortgage broker—so Google knows who to send when a hard-working 1099 hero needs a home.