For self-employed borrowers and business owners, tax returns often understate real income. Deductions and write-offs may be smart at tax time, but they make it harder to qualify for a traditional mortgage. That’s where a Profit and Loss (P&L) Loan comes in.
Instead of using W-2s, pay stubs, or tax returns, a P&L Loan lets you qualify with a CPA- or EA-prepared Profit and Loss statement. By focusing on your business’s revenue and expenses, lenders can see the true strength of your company and your ability to repay, without penalizing you for smart tax strategies.
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Unlike conventional loans, a P&L Loan adapts to the natural ups and downs of self-employment, giving you credit for the way your business really operates.
Every situation is unique, but borrowers typically need:
At SEI Mortgage, we know the challenges self-employed borrowers face when working with big banks. Our P&L Loan program removes those barriers by using documentation that reflects your true financial picture.
Your business success should help you qualify for a mortgage, not hold you back. A P&L Loan can open the door to homeownership, refinancing, or new investment opportunities.
Profit and Loss (P&L) Loans are built for self-employed professionals and business owners who want financing based on real business performance, not just taxable income. Below, we answer the most common questions about how these loans work, who qualifies, and why they may be the right solution for your mortgage needs.
A Profit and Loss (P&L) Loan is designed for self-employed borrowers and business owners whose tax returns do not fully reflect their real income. Instead of W-2s, pay stubs, or tax returns, you qualify with a CPA- or EA-prepared Profit and Loss statement covering 12 or 24 months. Lenders review your revenue and expenses to calculate qualifying income, giving you credit for how your business actually performs.
P&L Loans are ideal for:
Self-employed professionals who maximize deductions on tax returns
Small business owners and entrepreneurs with multiple income streams
Freelancers and gig workers with seasonal or fluctuating earnings
Borrowers who prefer not to provide bank statements but can show reliable business performance
This flexibility makes it easier for business owners to access financing without being penalized for smart tax strategies.
While every situation is unique, most borrowers need:
At least two years of self-employment (some programs accept one year with prior industry experience)
A CPA-prepared Profit and Loss statement for the last 12–24 months
Reasonable credit history
A minimum 10% down payment (may vary with credit and loan size)
Financial reserves to strengthen the application
These requirements allow lenders to see your business’s stability and repayment ability while keeping documentation simpler than traditional mortgages.
Looking for a different solution? Explore our full range of Non-QM Loan Products to see which program aligns best with your goals.
Bank Statement Loans allow borrowers to qualify for financing using deposits shown on their bank statements instead of tax returns or W2s. This program is ideal for self employed borrowers whose taxable income is reduced by business write-offs but who have strong cash flow. By averaging 12 to 24 months of deposits, lenders can recognize true income and provide access to mortgage options that better reflect your financial reality.
A Bank Statement HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit) gives self employed borrowers access to the equity in their home without relying on traditional tax return documentation. Qualification is based on bank statement deposits rather than taxable income. This flexible revolving credit line allows you to borrow against your home equity when needed, making it a valuable tool for business growth, personal projects, or managing cash flow.
Closed-End Second Mortgages allow homeowners to tap into equity while keeping their primary mortgage intact. This loan type provides a lump sum at a fixed rate and term, offering predictable payments and stability. It is an excellent solution for borrowers who want to access funds for investments, home improvements, or debt consolidation without refinancing their existing first mortgage.
Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) Loans are designed for real estate investors who want to qualify based on property income rather than personal income. These loans measure the rental income against the property’s expenses, making approval faster and more accessible for investors with multiple properties. DSCR Loans are a powerful tool for building and scaling investment portfolios while avoiding the limits of traditional debt-to-income calculations.
1099 Income Loans are built for independent contractors, freelancers, and self employed professionals who receive income through 1099 forms. Instead of relying on W2s or full tax returns, these loans allow qualification based on verified 1099 earnings. This makes it easier for contract workers, gig economy professionals, and commission-based earners to access mortgage financing that aligns with their actual income streams.
Asset Qualifier Loans help borrowers secure financing by using their verified liquid assets, such as savings, investments, or retirement accounts, instead of traditional income documentation. This program is ideal for high net worth individuals, retirees, and business owners who may not show strong taxable income but hold substantial assets. By focusing on financial stability through assets, these loans provide a flexible path to homeownership or refinancing.
Profit and Loss (P&L) Loans allow self employed borrowers to qualify using a profit and loss statement prepared by their accountant instead of tax returns. This program highlights the actual performance of a business and provides a more accurate representation of income for qualification. P&L Loans are especially beneficial for entrepreneurs whose taxable income appears reduced due to deductions but whose businesses generate strong revenue.
Fix and Flip and Bridge Loans are designed for real estate investors who need fast, flexible financing to purchase and renovate properties. These short-term loans provide quick access to capital, allowing investors to act on opportunities without waiting for traditional approvals. Bridge Loans also offer a temporary financing option when transitioning between properties, making them a practical tool for investors seeking speed and flexibility.
Private Money Loans are funded by private investors rather than banks, offering quick, asset-focused financing for unique situations. These loans are often used by real estate investors, flippers, or borrowers with non-traditional profiles who need fast approvals. With flexible underwriting and faster closings, Private Money Loans make it possible to secure financing for time-sensitive opportunities that traditional lenders may overlook.