An ITIN loan is a non-QM mortgage for borrowers who file taxes with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number instead of a Social Security number. Several of the lenders I work with have programs built for it, each with its own documentation and down payment requirements.
Justin Lazzaro, NMLS #1229453 | Reasy Financial, LLC, NMLS #2446155 | Licensed in Arizona, Pennsylvania, Florida, and Texas
These programs are for people who work, file taxes with an ITIN, and are ready to own a home.
Most ITIN programs are built around a home you will live in. Some lenders also allow second homes and rentals.
Income can often be documented with bank statements or 1099 forms instead of tax returns.
Borrowers with a valid Social Security number generally have lower-cost options, and I will point you to those first.
1
Lenders ask for IRS paperwork that shows your ITIN, such as the assignment letter. Some want to see a history of tax filing under it.
2
Full documentation or an alternative such as bank statements, depending on the lender. Some lenders require a U.S. credit report, and some accept alternative credit history.
3
An appraisal, verified funds to close, and often reserves. The steps are the same as any purchase loan.
Requirements differ a great deal from one lender to the next, including which property types and transactions are allowed. I confirm the details for your situation before you apply.
ITIN borrowers have more than one way to document income.
| Option | How income is documented | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|
| ITIN loan with full documentation | Tax returns and standard income documents | Usually the best terms available to an ITIN borrower |
| ITIN loan with bank statements | Twelve or twenty-four months of bank deposits | For self-employed borrowers whose returns understate income |
| ITIN loan with 1099 income | 1099 forms plus proof of year-to-date earnings | Offered by some lenders, not all |
| DSCR loan for a rental | The property's rent instead of personal income | Some lenders offer an ITIN version for investment property |
1
ITIN programs lend a smaller share of the home's value than most standard loan programs, so you will need more of your own funds or gift funds.
2
Rates and fees are higher because these are specialty programs. I will show you the full cost before you decide.
3
Credit requirements, eligible property types, and gift fund rules change from lender to lender, which is why comparing programs matters here.
Guidelines change. I confirm current requirements with the lender before quoting anything.
Short answers to common questions. Program rules vary by lender, so treat these as general guidance, not a loan decision.
An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number is a tax processing number the IRS issues to people who need to file taxes and are not eligible for a Social Security number.
It depends on the lender. Some require a standard credit report, and some will consider alternative credit history.
Some programs allow gift funds from family. The rules on how much can be a gift differ by lender.
Many programs allow a rate and term refinance, and some allow cash out. Others do not allow cash out at all.
Some lenders allow second homes and investment properties, and some offer a DSCR loan for ITIN borrowers. Others are limited to a primary home.
I am licensed in Arizona, Pennsylvania, Florida, and Texas, and I compare ITIN programs across multiple wholesale lenders.
Pick a time that works for you. We'll go over your goals and next steps, no pressure, just a conversation. Prefer to call or text instead? Reach me directly at (412) 638-4982, or book a quick Zoom if that's easier.