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During pre-qualification, a self-employed borrower states their annual income is $100,000. For pre-approval, they provide tax returns showing $75,000 in adjusted gross income after business deductions. How should the MLO proceed?

Correct Answer

C) Use the tax return income as it represents verified documentation

For self-employed borrowers, the Ability-to-Repay rule requires verification of income through tax returns or other acceptable documentation. The adjusted gross income from tax returns represents the borrower's actual qualifying income after allowable business deductions, which is what lenders must use for qualification purposes.

Answer Options
A
Use the higher verbal estimate since the borrower knows their true earning capacity
B
Average the verbal estimate and tax return income for qualification purposes
C
Use the tax return income as it represents verified documentation
D
Request bank statements to determine which income figure is more accurate

Why This Is the Correct Answer

For self-employed borrowers, the Ability-to-Repay rule requires verification of income through tax returns or other acceptable documentation. The adjusted gross income from tax returns represents the borrower's actual qualifying income after allowable business deductions, which is what lenders must use for qualification purposes.

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