What is a CPA Impact Letter?
A CPA impact letter, or CPA letter, is a document prepared by a Certified Public Accountant that validates and summarizes your financial situation. It provides assurance to lenders that your business is legitimate and that your income is sufficient to handle a mortgage.
Why Do Lenders Require a CPA Letter?
When you’re self-employed, it’s more difficult for lenders to assess your income. They need a clear picture of your financial health. Unlike traditional employees who can provide pay stubs, the self-employed rely on financial records like tax returns and profit-and-loss statements. Lenders ask for a CPA impact letter to ensure that the financial data is verified and accurate.
Challenges Faced by Self-Employed Individuals
Self-employed individuals encounter specific hurdles when applying for a mortgage.
Inconsistent Income
Running your own business can mean months of high earnings followed by periods of lower income. Lenders see this as a risk, as they prefer consistency. A CPA letter can help by showing that, over time, your income is stable.
Tax Write-Offs and Deductions
Another hurdle is that self-employed individuals often claim a lot of tax deductions. While this reduces your taxable income, it can also make it look like you’re earning less than you actually are. A CPA letter can clarify this by providing an accurate representation of your true income after deductions.
How Does a CPA Impact Letter Help?
A CPA letter isn’t just a formality; it’s a powerful document that provides key information about your financial situation.
Verifying Income Stability
The CPA letter verifies that your income has been consistent over time, even if your tax returns show fluctuating profits. It offers assurance to the lender that, despite any fluctuations, you can make mortgage payments.
Confirming Business Legitimacy
A CPA letter proves that your business is legitimate and financially sound. This helps assure the lender that you’re not just pulling numbers out of a hat; there’s a professional verifying that your financials are credible.
Highlighting Financial Health
Lenders aren’t just interested in income; they want to know the overall health of your business. The CPA letter gives an overview of your profit and loss, as well as any liabilities that might impact your ability to repay the loan.
What Information Should Be Included in a CPA Impact Letter?
A well-prepared CPA impact letter should contain several key pieces of information to ensure it paints a complete picture.
Financial Statements Overview
Your CPA will typically include an overview of your financial statements, summarizing your total income, expenses, and net profit over the past few years.
Profit and Loss Statements
Profit and loss (P&L) statements are essential. They show how much money your business made and how much it spent. Lenders want to see that, overall, your business is profitable.
Tax Return Summaries
Your CPA might also include summaries of your tax returns to help clarify any discrepancies between your income after deductions and your actual earnings.
Other Supporting Documents
In some cases, lenders may request additional documents such as bank statements or business licenses. Including these in the CPA letter can make your case even stronger.