Do I need tax returns if I am a W-2 employee?
Often not for a simple W-2 file, but underwriters may still request them in some cases. Commission, bonus, or rental income can trigger returns.
Most conventional borrowers need government ID, Social Security number, recent paystubs, W-2s, bank statements, and information about debts and the property. Self-employed, gifted, or rental-income files need extra paperwork — getting it together early is the fastest way to close.
Start here for a standard W-2 conventional purchase.
Driver’s license or passport and Social Security number.
30 days of paystubs and typically two years of W-2s.
Two months of bank/asset statements with all pages.
Landlord contact or mortgage statements as applicable.
Purchase agreement, addenda, and earnest money proof once under contract.
Your file may need more than the basics.
Make underwriting’s job easy.
A clear checklist beats a scavenger hunt.
Step 1
Based on income and transaction type.
Step 2
Send docs through our preferred channel — not random email threads.
Step 3
We catch missing pages before underwriting does.
Step 4
Only ask for what is still truly needed.
Related guides to help you compare options and move toward pre-approval.
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Often not for a simple W-2 file, but underwriters may still request them in some cases. Commission, bonus, or rental income can trigger returns.
Typically the most recent full two months. If statements age out during the process, we will ask for updates.
Clear scans or PDF downloads are better. If you use photos, make sure every corner and page is readable.
Before you shop seriously. Pre-approval is faster and stronger when income and assets are already verified.
Start with Ryan or Steve — we will give you a conventional loan checklist tailored to your income and purchase plans.