Updated for 2025 • SelfEmployedDocs

Can You Use Cash Income for Proof? (What They Actually Accept)

If you get paid in cash — tips, jobs, side work, gigs, house cleaning, childcare, handyman work — you already know the struggle:

“Can I use cash income as proof?” “Is cash income even ‘real’ on paperwork?” “What do I submit if everything was paid in cash?”

Good news: Yes, you can absolutely use cash income as proof. You just need the right documents that show the money actually happened.

This guide breaks down exactly what works, what doesn’t, and the fastest way to document your cash earnings.

Yes — cash income counts as real income

Cash income is 100% legitimate. Plenty of workers get paid this way:

servers and bartenders
barbers and hair stylists
nannies and babysitters
landscapers and handymen
car detailers and cleaners
mechanics and small contractors

The issue isn’t the income — it’s the paper trail.

Real talk: Companies don’t care that it was cash. They care that they can verify it.

What documents can prove cash income? (Ranked easiest → strongest)

1. Self-employed pay stubs (best option)

You can create a professional pay stub using your real cash earnings. This gives you a clean document that landlords and lenders instantly recognize.

A pay stub includes:

your income
your pay period
your gross and net pay

It removes 95% of questions.

Getting paid in cash?

Create a professional pay stub using your real income. Fast, clean, and landlord-friendly.

Create My Pay Stub →

2. Bank deposit records

If you deposit your cash into your bank account — even occasionally — the deposits COUNT as income proof.

This is one of the easiest, most accepted methods.

3. Income letter (self-written)

You can write your own income letter explaining how much you earn and how often.

Most private landlords and agencies accept this if written clearly.

Use our template: Self-Employed Income Letter →

4. Receipt or invoice history

If you collect cash but write receipts or use simple invoices, those documents help build your trail.

Pair them with a bank statement → even stronger.

5. Cash logs

You can create a simple record showing:

date
job
amount

This works especially well for childcare, cleaning, fixing cars, yard work, etc.

What won’t work (or creates problems)

“handwritten notes” with no backup
random screenshots that don’t match deposits
claims with no supporting documents

These cause red flags.

The strongest proof-of-income combo for cash workers

If you want almost zero follow-up questions, submit:

a self-employed pay stub
your bank statements showing deposits

This pair works for:

rentals
car loans
financing
government programs

Paid in cash and need proof?

Create your pay stub in minutes, using your real cash income.

Generate My Pay Stub →

FAQ: Cash Income as Proof

Is cash income legal?

Yes — cash income is 100% legitimate. You just need documentation that shows where it came from.

Can I use a pay stub if I get paid in cash?

Absolutely. As long as the income is real and accurate, pay stubs are one of the most trusted documents.

Do landlords accept cash income proof?

Yes. Most just want a clean document like a pay stub or bank statement showing your real earnings.

What if I don’t deposit my cash?

A pay stub + income letter combo usually solves this. If possible, start depositing some cash going forward — it gives you a solid trail.

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