Independent contractors

1099 HELOC: Home Equity for Contractors

Paid on 1099s? Qualify for a home equity line using your 1099 income instead of tax returns, on a primary home, second home or rental.

Start my HELOC request Call (619) 404-6637

12 or 24 mo1099s

720min. credit

Up to $750Kline size

75–80%max CLTV (program)

The basics

What is a 1099 HELOC?

A 1099 HELOC qualifies independent contractors using their 1099 income, less an expense factor, instead of tax returns. It’s built for consultants, agents, drivers and other earners whose write-offs make tax returns look thin.

Requirements

What are the 1099 HELOC requirements?

Our 1099 lender requires a 720 credit score and two years self-employed in the same line of work, and uses 12 or 24 months of 1099s. Lines go up to $750,000 at up to 80% CLTV.

Guideline	Lender B (1099 program)	Lender E (digital)
1099 history	12 or 24 months	1099s accepted as income verification
Income calculation	1099 income + YTD, less expense ratio, annualized	Verified income used for DTI
Minimum credit	720	680 on rentals (720 for the larger line)
Max CLTV	80% (24 mo) / 75% (12 mo), program max	70–75% on rentals
Line amount	Up to $750,000	Up to $250,000 on rentals
Self-employment	2 years, same line of work	Per income verification rules
LLC vesting	Ask us	No

Lenders B and E are wholesale lenders we have access to and broker loans to. Guidelines as of October 2026; subject to change and underwriting.

Fit check

Is a 1099 HELOC better than a bank statement HELOC?

If most of your income arrives on 1099s and your score is 720+, the 1099 path is usually simpler. If deposits come from many sources or your score is 700–719, a bank statement HELOC may qualify you for more.

Own a business with a profit-and-loss statement? Compare the P&L HELOC. Every option is on our HELOC on investment property page.

FAQ

1099 HELOC FAQs

What is a 1099 HELOC?

A 1099 HELOC qualifies independent contractors using their 1099 income, less an expense factor, instead of tax returns.

How is 1099 income calculated?

Our 1099 lender totals your 1099 income plus year-to-date earnings, subtracts a business expense ratio and annualizes the result.

What credit score do I need?

720 minimum with our 1099 lender. Another of our lenders accepts 1099s as income documentation on its digital HELOC starting at 680 on rentals.

How much can I borrow with a 1099 HELOC?

Lines up to $750,000, with a maximum CLTV of 80% on 24 months of 1099s and 75% on 12 months (program maximums).

How long do I need to be self-employed?

Two years self-employed in the same line of work.

Can I use a 1099 HELOC on an investment property?

Yes. Owner-occupied, second-home and investment properties are all eligible.

Keep exploring

Other self-employed HELOC options

Get started

Request 1099 HELOC options

Choose “1099 income” on the form and we’ll review your scenario first.

Prefer to talk first? Call or text (619) 404-6637.

Programs, guidelines and terms described here come from the wholesale lenders we broker loans to and change often. This is not a commitment to lend; all loans are subject to credit approval, underwriting, property eligibility and state availability. Rates and payment terms are not quoted on this page. Trevor Gravink, NMLS #1707407 | Broker Buddy LLC, powered by Adaptive Mortgage Solutions, NMLS #2022974. Equal Housing Opportunity.