Self-employed does not automatically mean you need a private mortgage. The starting point is an accurate picture of your personal income, business activity, debts and available funds. Jatin Sood helps business owners across the GTA organize that picture and review suitable mortgage options. Every application remains subject to lender requirements.
Request a Self-Employed Mortgage Review or call 647-569-8109.
What documents may a self-employed borrower need?
There is no universal checklist. Depending on your circumstances, a lender may request tax returns and Notices of Assessment, business financial statements, bank statements, registration documents or contracts. CMHC’s self-employed mortgage-insurance guidance describes several acceptable ways to support income and business history; the documents required depend on the file and program.
For the first conversation, you do not need to send your complete financial file. Explain your business structure, how you pay yourself, how long you have operated, the property location and your timeline. Jatin can then identify the documents relevant to the review. Do not send tax returns, bank statements or identification through social-media messages or the initial enquiry form.
Three questions to prepare before the review
1. What has changed in your business?
Make a short timeline of changes such as incorporating, leaving employment, adding a business partner or changing how you receive income. Explain unusual events rather than leaving the lender to infer what happened.
2. What payment fits your life and business?
Separate the amount you hope to borrow from the payment you are comfortable carrying. Include household expenses, business commitments and a buffer for quieter periods in your own planning. A lending decision is not a substitute for a personal budget.
3. What decision needs to happen, and when?
A purchase closing, renewal and refinance involve different decisions. Share the relevant dates and any existing mortgage commitments. This helps focus the review on the actual next step rather than a generic rate quote.
Compare options, not just the advertised rate
Ask how the payment, fees, penalties and flexibility compare with your plans. FSRA recommends understanding the product and its costs before committing. If private financing is considered, review its higher potential costs, short-term nature and repayment or exit plan. Self-employment alone is not a reason to assume that private financing is suitable.
Read the private mortgage costs and risks guide and explore mortgage guidance across the GTA.
Self-employed mortgage questions
Do I always need two years of business history?
Not in every case. CMHC generally recommends 24 months of business or related work experience, but its guidance allows consideration of recently self-employed borrowers with additional supporting factors. Individual lender and program requirements still apply; a shorter history does not guarantee eligibility.
Can business expenses be added back to income?
Some programs allow specified adjustments. CMHC describes certain gross-up or expense add-back approaches, with different treatment depending on the business structure. Do not assume every deduction can be added back or that business revenue equals qualifying personal income.
Should I change my tax filing to qualify?
Do not change or omit financial information for a mortgage application. Discuss tax and compensation decisions with your accountant, and share your financing plans early so the mortgage review uses accurate records.
What if I became self-employed before my mortgage renewal?
Tell your mortgage professional what changed and ask your current lender what its renewal requires. Do not assume renewing, switching lenders and borrowing more are the same transaction. FCAC explains that a new lender must approve your application and may use different qualification criteria. Start reviewing options a few months before the term ends rather than waiting for the renewal letter.
Is switching lenders at renewal free?
Not necessarily. Ask about discharge, transfer, registration, appraisal and administration costs, and whether the new lender will cover any of them. A collateral charge or changes to the amount borrowed can affect the process. Compare the written offers and total costs, not just the quoted rate. See FCAC’s mortgage renewal and switching guidance.
Mortgage guidance for business owners across the GTA
Based in Brampton, Jatin serves Toronto and the Peel, Halton, York and Durham regions, including Mississauga, Oakville, Milton, Vaughan, Markham, Pickering, Ajax, Whitby and Oshawa. The GTA service overview lists the wider coverage. Available options depend on the borrower, property and lender, not just the city.
Request a Self-Employed Mortgage Review. Start with your goal and timeline; a conversation is not a commitment to a mortgage.
Jatin Sood, Mortgage Agent Level 2, Licence #M24002757. The Mortgage Centre – Hard Money Approvals, Brokerage #12880. Independently Owned & Operated.
Sources and important information
CMHC: Self-employed mortgage loan insurance; FSRA: Shopping for a mortgage; FSRA: Private mortgages.
Updated September 2026. General information only, not individual financial, legal or tax advice. Approval, pricing and terms depend on the complete application and applicable lender and insurer requirements. No approval, rate or savings are guaranteed.