Updated for 2025 • SelfEmployedDocs

How to Show Proof of Income Without Pay Stubs (2025 Guide)

If you need to show proof of income but don’t have pay stubs, you’re not stuck. Thousands of people run into this every single month — especially gig workers, freelancers, self-employed contractors, and cash-paid workers.

Here’s the truth:

You can absolutely prove income without pay stubs — and there are several legitimate documents companies accept.

This guide shows you the fastest options.

Why companies ask for proof of income

They’re not trying to make life hard. They just want to confirm you can pay:

rent
a loan
a car payment
a utility bill
insurance premiums

But you don’t need traditional employer pay stubs to do that.

The best ways to show income without pay stubs

These are the most commonly accepted documents:

Self-employed pay stubs (fastest, cleanest, most trusted)
Bank statements
Income letter
Gig earnings summaries
Cash deposit logs
Invoices / payment receipts
1099 forms

1. Create a self-employed pay stub (fastest & most effective)

Even without a traditional employer, you can legally create your own pay stub using your real income.

It looks just like a traditional pay stub and includes:

your name
your business or type of work
pay rate or amount
pay period
net income

Landlords and lenders recognize this format immediately — which is why it works so well.

Real talk: Pay stubs get WAY fewer questions than screenshots, letters, or bank statements alone.

Need income proof fast?

Create a professional, accurate pay stub in minutes — perfect for rentals, loans, and verifications.

Generate My Pay Stub →

2. Bank statements

Your deposits — whether from clients, apps, or cash — show real income. Highlight income deposits for clarity.

This is one of the most accepted forms of proof.

3. Income verification letter

You can write a simple letter verifying your own income if you’re self-employed.

Many landlords accept this, especially smaller or private landlords.

Template: Income Letter Template →

4. Gig earnings summaries

If you work for any delivery or rideshare app, their earnings tabs COUNT as proof of income.

This includes:

DoorDash
Uber
Lyft
Instacart
Shipt
Grubhub
Amazon Flex

5. Cash deposit logs

If paid in cash, deposit some of it into your bank account. Your deposit receipts become income documentation.

6. Invoices or receipts

If you offer services — cleaning, freelance work, childcare, handyman work, beauty services — your invoices prove your payment history.

The strongest document combo

If you really want zero pushback, submit:

A self-employed pay stub (official format)
Your bank statements (real deposits)

This works for 90% of rental and loan applications.

Need your documents today?

Create your pay stub now — clean, accurate, and ready to submit.

Create My Pay Stub →

FAQ: Showing Income Without Pay Stubs

Is it legal to make my own pay stub?

Yes — as long as it reflects your real, actual income accurately.

Do landlords accept self-employed income?

Yes. Many even prefer structured documents like pay stubs.

What’s the fastest proof?

A clean self-employed pay stub — you can create one in minutes.

What if my income changes every week?

Use your average income — lenders expect fluctuations.

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