Situations that involve borrowing, such as getting a loan or applying for a mortgage, require you to prove your ability to repay the money owed. You can do this by showing the lender that you have an income and that it is sufficient to cover your payments per the agreement. But what do you do when you are self-employed and don’t have a boss that can write you an employment verification letter? You prepare an Income Verification Letter for the Self-Employed! Read on to learn more.
What Is an Income Verification Letter for the Self-employed?
An income verification letter for self-employed people, sometimes referred to as a self-employment letter, is a formal document that serves as verification for the amount of money a self-employed person makes. It is usually prepared when an individual that doesn’t receive their salary from another person needs to prove their earning ability to a potential lender, visa agency, financial institution, or landlord. Generally, the document serves as evidence that the self-employed individual can afford to enter a financial deal.
Essential Elements
Besides verifying your income, a self-employed income verification letter can show that you have work experience in a given area. This means that the letter can serve two purposes, and you have to be clear about what the person requesting it would like it to contain. That said, a typical self-employed income verification letter will contain the following details:
- Letterhead: A letterhead gives the income verification letter credibility. It should belong to the person that prepares taxes for your business or a certified public accountant (CPA).
- Business Details: The person requesting the letter will want to know the name, address, and nature of your business. Only provide accurate, up-to-date details.
- Additional Business Details: You can go a step further and mention the sector in which your business operates, the type of products or services you offer, etc.
- Proprietor’s Details: The proprietor is you, the self-employed individual and subject of the letter. Provide your name, mailing address, the share of ownership in the company, experience, etc.
- Contact Information: This is the contact information (phone number and email address) of the CPA or tax preparer. They will serve as a reference for the information you provide.
- Signatures: Your signature, as well as that of the CPA or tax preparer, will authenticate the letter. Your letter should also include a date and the CPA’s official stamp.
Sample Income Verification Letter for Self-Employed
22 October 2031
ABC Lenders
200 Union Road
Atlanta, GA 9797
Re: Income Verification (Self-Employed)
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to confirm that I, Jenna Michaels, am the Proprietor and CEO of the Fabric Kingdom, which will open in 2025. I own 100 percent of the company. Generally, we sell wholesale fabrics to fashion houses across Atlanta and other parts of Georgia.
Last year, my total income was $98,000. I have an average annual income of $80,000, as confirmed by my company’s tax preparer and the attached financial statements.
Please contact me at jen[email protected] if you require any further information.
Sincerely,
Jenna Michaels
CEO, Fabric Kingdom
Income Verification Letter for Self-Employed (Word Template)
Download: Microsoft Word (.docx)
Sample Self-Employment Verification Letter for Immigration
22 October 2031
Immigrations Office
100 First Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90809
Re: Self-Employment Verification
To Whom It May Concern,
This letter is to confirm that I, Christopher Wallace, and self-employed and own and run Chris Fixings Ltd. I opened the company in 2020 to provide affordable plumbing and electrical solutions to homes, schools, companies, and establishments within Los Angeles. We are located at Yule Street 102, Los Angeles, CA 20901.
I own 100 percent of Chris Fixings Ltd. and have an annual net income of $78,000. This letter is written to facilitate the travel of my brother Derrick Wallace to visit me in the United States in November this year. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at [email protected].
Sincerely,
Christopher Wallace
Proprietor, Chris Fixings Ltd.
Self-Employment Verification Letter for Immigration (Word Template)
Download: Microsoft Word (.docx)
Sample Self-Employment Verification Letter for Bank
Martin Fay
22 October 2031
Texas National Bank
2009 Hubris Road
Houston, TX 11020
Re: Self-Employment Verification Letter
Dear Mr. Fay,
This is to affirm that I, Melissa McClain, am the owner and proprietor of Premium Energy Solutions, an engineering company that provides green energy solutions to homes and institutions throughout Texas.
I established my company 12 years ago and have, so far, installed over 143,00 green power units in the state. On average, my annual turnover is $175,000, as you will see in the attached statements.
If you require any further information, please email me at mellisamcclain @ email . com.
Sincerely,
Melissa McClain
Proprietor – Premium Energy Solutions
Self-Employment Verification Letter for Bank (Word Template)
Download: Microsoft Word (.docx)
Things to Keep in Mind
When drafting an Income Verification Letter for Self-Employed, you should be careful about how you provide information. Here are some factors you should keep in mind:
1. Honesty
Always be truthful in your verification letter and double-check all the details you include in it. While you have the freedom to prepare the letter yourself, unlike employed people that must get one from their employer, you are also responsible for remaining honest. Don’t lie or exaggerate figures.
2. Relevance
As mentioned earlier, this letter can serve different purposes depending on what the reader is looking for and why they need the document. Always confirm with them the type of information they would like included, then supply all relevant details.
3. Supporting Documentation
When you make a statement about your financial status, it only makes sense that the person getting into business with you would like proof. Remember to attach sufficient supporting documents, such as tax return forms, bank slips, registration certificates, licenses, etc.
FAQs
Self-employment refers to the state of working for yourself instead of for an employer.
Proof of self-employment can be derived from documents like ledger documentation, bank statements, tax returns, profit and loss statements, and the like.
Yes. If you are self-employed, you can write your own verification letter. However, you will need the signature and stamp of your tax preparer when reporting your income.
Conclusion
Preparing an Income Verification Letter for Self-Employed could involve a lot of document gathering, but it is an excellent way to prove your eligibility for credit. Also, because you cannot rely on an employer to do all the work for you, you will need to start early and consult with your tax preparer. Once you collect the supporting documents you need, all that is left is to input accurate details.
