As a self-employed person, you may wonder how your business entity type impacts the types of loans you qualify for. Fortunately, there are a variety of options available.
Personal Loans
The gig industry is deemed promising. Many institutions offer loans for self employed since they understand the necessity of providing loans for self-employed freelancers. For various reasons, a personal loan can be a good option for self-employed individuals who need extra cash. These loans can help you finance everything from emergency expenses to renovations or a new car. However, getting one can be tricky. Lenders typically need to see consistent income from borrowers. They may ask for pay stubs, tax statements or W-2s to verify income. Self-employed borrowers who don’t have these documents will need to provide some other proof of income, such as bank statements. Self-employed borrowers who produce these income proofs have better chances of qualifying for a personal loan. They should also be upfront about their self-employment status during the application process.
Home Equity Loans
Home equity loans, also known as HELOCs or home equity lines of credit, can effectively allow self-employed individuals to tap into their built-up equity in their homes. These loans are easier to qualify for than traditional financing options and can offer better interest rates for many borrowers. The best part about a home equity loan is that it is generally repaid in fixed monthly payments. This means you can use your loan for anything and know exactly what you will pay back each month. Another reason this type of loan is so attractive to self-employed individuals is that it can help them avoid hitting their primary mortgage’s interest rate when they borrow funds for other purposes, such as education expenses or renovations. The downside to these loans is that they are second mortgages, meaning you’ll have to simultaneously make monthly payments on two loans. You can, however, get a cash-out to refinance to replace your first mortgage with one that doesn’t require you to make payments on both.
Small Business Loans
Small business loans are a great way for self-employed individuals to obtain funding. But they are more challenging to qualify for than traditional loans because many lenders require proof of income. Usually, the best proof of income is tax statements or past tax returns. These documents will prove your wages and taxes; they’re legal documents that most banks generally accept. Alternative lenders may also offer to finance freelancers, but they typically have more stringent requirements and higher interest rates and fees than traditional bank loans.
Bad Credit Loans
Self-employed individuals are often at a disadvantage when it comes to borrowing, but there are ways to improve your chances of acceptance. This includes being honest with your lender and providing proof of income.
For example, many lenders will ask for your tax returns and bank statements to verify your earnings. These documents are essential for a successful application. In addition, a few lenders will allow you to upload your business documents to a secure online repository. This is a great way to save time on your paperwork and ensure that your essential information is backed up securely.
