Income from 2016 Used to Qualify

1. When 2016 income is being to qualify, and the underwriter is unable to validate the income using transcripts (e.g. recently filed and no transcripts are available), one of the following scenarios must be met:

  • When 1040s show that the borrower is getting a REFUND:
  • Provide copies of the filed 1040s for 2016, and
  • Verify acceptance of filed return with the IRS via the refund verification site: irs.gov/Refunds
  • See Appendix H for guidance on how to use the “Where’s My Refund” site.
  • Enter the borrower’s SSN, filing status, and refund amount from the 1040s
  • If the results are successful, then it is okay to proceed without the 1040 transcripts for 2016.
  • If the results do not show a match, then the 2016 income cannot be used and the borrower must qualify using the 2014 and 2015 income.

2. When the 1040s show that the borrower OWES money:

  • Provide copies of the filed 1040s for 2016, and
  • Cancelled check (or wire, etc.) showing payment to the IRS in the exact amount shown as the liability from the 2016 return.

If the borrower does not pay the balance in full and instead enters into a payment plan with the IRS, the following will also be required:

  • Cancelled check showing the amount that was sent to the IRS
  • Evidence of an accepted payment plan by the IRS
  • The Underwriter will need to escalate these to their Sr. Team Lead for review to determine if there is any further action needed (i.e. reserves sufficient to cover the balance owing and/or add the debt as a liability).
  • If no accepted payment plan can be provided then the 2016 income cannot be used.

NOTE: To use increasing income from 2016, the above steps will need to be taken; however, if the income from the 2016 returns indicate decreasing income, this lower (i.e. more conservative amount from the current year’s tax return) amount should be considered to qualify the borrower, even if transcripts are not available.

Have questions or need help?

Call us now at 800-220-LOAN

Request a call back or email us your questions!

Get Started

No obligation quote