Yes. Hair stylists, barbers and salon owners can qualify for a mortgage with 12 or 24 months of bank statements instead of tax returns. The lender adds up your business deposits, takes out an expense factor for your costs, and uses what is left as your income. Most lenders want about two years in the same line of work.
How the money comes in
Stylists get paid by clients through card apps and booking platforms, or rent a chair or suite and keep their own sales. Salon owners also collect booth rent from other stylists.
What the lender looks for in your statements
Client payments through booking apps count. Tips paid by card are usually part of income. Booth rent you collect counts for salon owners. Transfers between your own accounts are removed.
Transfers between your own accounts, loan proceeds and other one time money are usually left out. The guide on deposit problems covers how lenders handle large or unusual deposits.
Your costs and the expense factor
A suite or chair renter has modest costs: rent, products and booking software. A CPA letter showing a lower expense ratio often raises qualifying income. A full salon with staff may be near the 50% default.
Most lenders start with a 50% expense factor. A letter from your CPA or enrolled agent, or a profit and loss statement prepared by a tax professional, can show lower costs. See how expense factors work.
Proof that the business is real
Your Florida cosmetology or barber license through DBPR, your salon license if you own the shop, and your Sunbiz filing. Lenders also accept a CPA or tax preparer letter confirming how long you have been in business.
Common snags, and how to avoid them
- Cash tips and cash payments that never get deposited.
- Mixing personal and business spending in one account.
- Booth rent paid in cash.
What to gather
- 12 or 24 months of business or personal bank statements, every page.
- Proof of your business or license.
- A CPA or enrolled agent letter if your costs are below half of revenue.
- Recent statements for savings or retirement accounts you will use for the down payment or reserves.
Other loans to compare
If you rent a chair and get a 1099 from the salon, a 1099 loan may fit. Bank statement loans usually cost more than a conventional loan and ask for a larger down payment, so I check whether a standard loan can count your income first.
More jobs: bank statement loans by job · Back to no tax return loans · bank statement loan requirements
Common questions
Can hair stylists, barbers and salon owners get a mortgage without tax returns?
Yes. A bank statement loan uses 12 or 24 months of deposits instead of tax returns. Most lenders want about two years in the same line of work.
What expense factor will the lender use?
Most lenders start at 50% of deposits. A CPA or enrolled agent letter, or a third party profit and loss statement, can support a lower number if your real costs are lower.
Do bank statement loans cost more?
Usually, yes. Expect a higher rate and a larger down payment than a conventional loan. The exact cost depends on your credit, down payment and documents.