What Counts as Proof of Income? (Approved Documents for 2025)
If someone is asking you for “proof of income,” it usually means one thing:
They need to confirm you make enough money to qualify.
Landlords, lenders, car dealerships, insurance companies, child support agencies — everyone has their own version of “acceptable proof.”
The good news?
This guide covers every accepted option for 2025.
What counts as proof of income?
Here are the most commonly accepted documents:
- Pay stubs — employer or self-employed
- Bank statements
- 1099 forms
- Tax returns
- Self-employed income letter
- W-2 forms
- Earnings summaries (gig apps)
- Invoices / receipts
- Award letters (Social Security, disability, unemployment)
You don’t need all of these — just one or two that clearly show your income.
1. Pay stubs (most widely accepted)
Pay stubs are the #1 document requested because they show:
- income by period
- consistent earnings
- year-to-date totals
And yes — if you’re self-employed, you can legally create your own pay stubs based on your real income.
Create a professional self-employed pay stub in minutes — perfect for rentals, loans, and applications.
Create My Pay Stub →2. Bank statements
Your deposits are one of the strongest forms of income proof.
Landlords and lenders look at:
- consistent deposits
- total monthly income
- income sources
Highlight your income for faster approval.
3. 1099 forms
If you’re a contractor, freelancer, or gig worker, your 1099-NEC or 1099-K proves your income officially.
4. Tax returns (if available)
These show your annual income, but many people don’t want to use them or don’t have them handy.
If you prefer not to share tax returns, use a pay stub instead.
5. Self-employment income letter
A simple written letter stating your monthly earnings works for:
- landlords
- schools
- insurance
- assistance programs
Use our template:
Income Letter Template →
6. Gig worker earnings summaries
If you work for Uber, DoorDash, Lyft, Instacart, Shipt, or Grubhub, your earnings report counts as income proof.
7. Invoices, receipts, or payment logs
If you provide services — cleaning, repairs, childcare, landscaping — your invoices show a history of income.
8. Benefit award letters
Programs like Social Security, disability, pensions, and unemployment all provide monthly income award letters.
These count as proof of income anywhere.
Which option is best when you’re in a hurry?
If someone needs your income documentation TODAY, the fastest and cleanest option is:
A self-employed pay stub based on your real income.
Create a clean, professional pay stub in minutes — no employer needed.
Generate My Pay Stub →FAQ: What Counts as Proof of Income?
A pay stub. It’s clean, simple, and universally recognized.
Yes — pay stubs, bank statements, and 1099s all work.
Yes — as long as the information is true and accurately reflects your real earnings.
Use a pay stub, bank deposits, or an income letter. All work.
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