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You're probably thinking: My business makes great money. I will definitely qualify.
Welcome to the world of traditional lending, where your taxable income — often reduced after business write-offs — matters more than the actual cash flow your business generates.
This is the #1 frustration for Canadian entrepreneurs trying to qualify for a mortgage.
But here’s the good news:
You are not actually limited by what your accountant reports.
You just need the right type of lender.
This is where Alternative lenders and bank-statement mortgage programs come in — designed specifically for people who earn strong real income but show lower taxable income.
Why Writing Off Expenses Hurts Traditional Mortgage Qualification
Most self-employed Canadians reduce taxable income by writing off:
- Fuel and vehicle costs
- Home office expenses
- Supplies and equipment
- Advertising and marketing
- Tools and materials
- Phone/internet
- Meals & entertainment
- Staff wages
- Professional fees
This is completely normal — and financially smart.
But to an A-lender (big banks), these write-offs make it look like you earn much less than you actually do.
For example:
A general contractor might bring in $200,000 in revenue but show only $60,000 of taxable income after write-offs.
At the bank, that person may qualify for $200,000–$250,000 in mortgage financing.
But with an alternative lender?
They may qualify for $600,000–$700,000+, depending on the strength of their deposits.
Try our Debt Consolidation Calculator
What Alternative Lenders Look At Instead: Gross Deposits, Not Net Income
Alternative lenders understand that business owners structure income differently.
Instead of using your accountant’s financial statements, they look at:
- 12 months of business or personal bank statements
- Total gross revenue / deposits
- Consistency of cash flow
- Business type and seasonality
- Your expenses and debt obligations
This method shows your real income, not your taxable income.
Real Examples of How This Helps Business Owners Qualify for More
1. General Contractor
- Deposits: $18,000–$30,000/month
- Writes off tools, gas, equipment, truck
- Bank taxable income: $65,000
Bank: You qualify for very little.
Alt lender: You have strong cash flow → higher approval amount.
2. Makeup Artist / Lash Tech / Hair Stylist
- Seasonal income (weddings, events, prom seasons)
- Lots of write-offs: travel, supplies, chair rent
Bank: Income looks inconsistent.
Alt lender: Regular deposits show real earning power.
3. Home Daycare Owner
- Steady weekly payments
- Claims heavy home expenses: food, utilities, portion of rent/mortgage
Bank: Write-offs “erase” income.
Alt lender: Deposits reflect stable income and reliability.
4. Pet Groomer
- Multiple small transactions daily
- Writes off grooming tools, supplies, cleaning, rent
Bank: Net income looks tiny.
Alt lender: Strong inflow = strong qualifying ability.
How Much More Can You Qualify For?
Every file is unique, but most self-employed individuals see a 40%–150% increase in borrowing power when switching from an A-lender income method to a B-lender bank statement program.
Calculate how much you can qualify for using our Bank Statement Income Calculator.
This means:
- Buying sooner instead of waiting 2–3 years
- Refinancing to access equity now
- Consolidating high-interest debt
- Being approved based on real income, not tax tricks
What You Need to Qualify Under a Bank-Statement Program
Every lender has a slightly different policy, but most require:
- 6–24 months of business or personal bank statements
- A reasonable credit score (usually 600+)
- Proof of business ownership (Articles of incorporation, website, etc.)
- A down payment (usually 20% for purchases)
If applying for a refinance, lenders will also review:
- Current mortgage
- Property value
- Equity available
Why More Business Owners Are Choosing Alternative Lenders in 2025
Canada has hit a point where nearly 25% of mortgages for self-employed borrowers are funded through B-lenders.
Why?
Because business owners are tired of:
- Being penalized for writing off too much
- Being told to “claim more income” for 2–3 years
- Losing homes due to unrealistic qualification rules
- Missing buying opportunities because of paperwork rules that apply only to salaried employees
B-lenders fill this gap with flexible programs designed for real entrepreneurs with real money coming in.
Final Thoughts: You Don’t Need to Change How You Run Your Business — You Just Need the Right Lender
Tax write-offs are part of running a successful business.
They keep your business efficient and your taxes reasonable.
You should not be punished for that.
If your bank says you don’t qualify for the amount you need, it doesn’t mean you can’t get a mortgage — it means you need a lender that understands how self-employed income actually works.
And that’s exactly what Alternative lenders and bank-statement programs are built for.