When you ask a lender “What documentation do I need to provide?”, you’re trying to figure out exactly what paperwork they’ll want before they can say yes to your loan — so you can prepare it in advance and avoid delays.
Here’s the usual breakdown:
1. Personal Identification
- Government-issued ID (passport, driver’s license, CNIC, etc.)
- Social Security Number / Tax ID (depending on country)
2. Business Information (for business loans)
- Business registration/license
- Articles of incorporation or partnership agreement
- Employer Identification Number (EIN) or local equivalent
- Business address & contact details
3. Financial Proof
- For Personal Loans:
- Recent pay stubs or salary slips
- Bank statements (last 3–6 months)
- Tax returns (1–2 years)
- For Business Loans:
- Business bank statements (last 3–12 months)
- Profit & loss statements
- Balance sheet
- Tax returns (business & sometimes personal)
4. Credit Information
- Consent for a credit check (personal and/or business)
5. Collateral Details (if required)
- Property deeds
- Equipment invoices
- Vehicle titles
- Appraisal reports
6. Additional Supporting Documents
- Business plan (often for startups or SBA loans)
- Contracts or invoices showing upcoming income
- Lease agreements (if relevant)
💡 Tip: Missing even one key document can push your approval back days or weeks.
Smart borrowers ask for the full checklist up front so they can submit everything in one go.
If you like, I can prepare you a Personal Loan Documentation Checklist and a Business Loan Documentation Checklist side by side, so you’ll always know what to bring for either type of loan. That way you’re never caught unprepared.
Lenders require various documents to assess your business’s financial health and ability to repay the loan. Commonly requested documentation includes:
- Financial Statements: Profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements provide a comprehensive view of your business’s financial performance.
- Tax Returns: Both personal and business tax returns help verify your income and financial stability.
- Business Plan: A detailed business plan demonstrates your strategy for growth and how the loan will be used to achieve your goals.
- Bank Statements: Recent bank statements provide insight into your cash flow and financial management.
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