To make the process of applying for a mortgage less stressful, you can get your paperwork together before it’s time to submit your documents.

Note that if you have multiple applicants, you’ll likely need the relevant documents for each person.

W-2s

You will need the most recent W-2 forms for all your current employers. Depending on the lender, you may have to go back two years. If you do not have a copy, you can generally get one from the accounting department at your employer or previous employer. You can also contact the IRS to request copies of past W-2 forms from your tax returns.

30 days of paystubs

Most lenders require at least 30 days of paystubs and sometimes more (because many employers pay digitally, you can print out the digital copy of each paystub.) If your most recent paystubs show lower earnings than is normal, you can choose to provide paystubs over a longer time frame to prove that your average wages are higher.

Bank statements

Three to six months of bank statements are often required to show your income and assets.

Most recent tax return

You may be asked to provide a copy of your most recent tax return. You may be asked to sign a Form 4506-T, which gives the lender permission to request your tax transcript directly from the Internal Revenue Service.

Debt and asset lists

To calculate your debt-to-income ratio, you will be asked to provide a full list of all your debts and assets, including auto loans, credit card balances, student loans and any other outstanding debts. You will also list savings, investments and any other assets.

Cancelled rent or mortgage checks

On-time housing payments can be an important indicator to a lender that you will pay your mortgage on time in the future. You may be asked to provide cancelled rent or mortgage checks or proof of consistent on-time payment if you pay digitally.

Purchase and sale agreement

Once you have signed a sales contract with a seller, your lender will request a copy to confirm the sale price and other details of the deal.

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