A lender will always require that you provide proof of income as part of your mortgage application. For example, personal/business tax returns, pay stubs or W2s give a lender an up close and personal view of your finances — which is crucial when determining just how much money you can qualify for.
How far in the past you’ll need to go to get your bank statements ultimately depends on the mortgage product. See below:
Fannie Mae (Conventional): 2 years (personal and business returns).
Freddie Mac (Conventional): 1 year (personal and business returns).
FHA: 2 years.
USDA: 2 years.
VA: 2 years.
To learn more about the mortgage application process, be sure to speak with an experience mortgage broker.