How many years of tax returns are required for self-employed individuals applying for a mortgage?

For self-employed individuals applying for a mortgage, the standard requirement is to provide two years of tax returns. This is because lenders need to ensure that the applicant has a consistent income over a period of time, which helps them assess the stability and reliability of that income.

Two years of tax returns allow lenders to evaluate trends in income, which is crucial when a borrower’s earnings can fluctuate significantly from year to year, as is often the case with self-employed individuals. By reviewing these documents, lenders can better understand the financial health of the business and the borrower's ability to make future mortgage payments.

Additionally, self-employed borrowers may need to provide accompanying documentation, such as profit and loss statements or balance sheets, to give a clearer picture of their financial situation. The two-year period offers a comprehensive view that helps mitigate the risks associated with lending to self-employed individuals, making it a critical requirement in the mortgage application process.