What lenders will ask for, and why

Start gathering now. A complete file is the fastest road to a decision.

Identity and ownership

Government photo ID for each owner
Ownership percentages and references (names and phone numbers)
Owner phone number and email

Business formation

Certificate or articles of incorporation or organization
Bylaws or operating agreement; stock certificates if any
EIN letter, licenses and permits
Copy of your lease
Business insurance

Financial records

Business tax returns (typically 2 to 3 years)
Personal tax returns
Recent business bank statements (typically 12 months)
Year-to-date profit and loss and balance sheet
Debt schedule

How your business runs

Number of employees and total monthly payroll
Monthly rent, phone, electricity, insurance, accounting, legal, licensing and point-of-sale costs
Vehicle, toll and parking costs
Projections and the purpose of the funds

Personal picture of the owner

Last 3 months of personal bank statements
Total credit card debt and monthly credit card payments
Personal vehicle details (make, model, year, estimated value)
Credit check only with your signed written consent

Why we ask

Lenders look at the business and the owner together (global cash flow)
We request only what lenders need, and only after you sign an engagement
Some items, like ID copies, are requested only when a specific lender requires them

Protecting your information. Please do not email or text Social Security numbers, ID images, bank statements or tax returns. After you sign an engagement, we will give you a secure upload link. Until then, share only general information.

A quick self-check

Question	Why it matters
Do my bank deposits match the revenue on my tax returns?	Mismatches are the most common reason files stall.
Are my business and personal finances separate?	Lenders need clean records to measure repayment ability.
Do I know my total monthly debt payments?	Debt service coverage is calculated from them.
Do I have overdrafts or unpaid taxes?	These are early red flags we can plan around.

Next step

Not sure where you stand?

We will score your readiness and give you a plain-language action list.

Book a free consultation Call (646) 951-7543