The rules have changed over the years when a family member is employed by a family business. Knowing which product to choose to make the application flow without issues is key as all agencies do not have the same requirements.

Here are the guides for each agency. On conventional loans this applies to borrowers employed by family or interested parties to the transaction like the seller, realtor, broker, and anyone that makes the transaction a non-arm’s length closing.

As an example, Freddie is beneficial with one year tax return, but Fannie is beneficial in what they allow to be used as income.

FANNIE MAE

Must have 2 Years tax returns regardless of how long they have worked for the company. Income must make sense and be supported by previous and current income levels.

FREDDIE MAC

Only requires 1 year tax return OR IRS Wage and Income transcripts.

The documentation must validate prior year’s earnings and support current years income.

If the current income level is not supported by the previous year, you must use the previous year’s income.

FHA

Must prove the borrower is not an owner in the family business by using official business documents.

Documents include corporate resolutions, business tax returns or other organization documents. An official letter from a CPA on their letterhead will work as well.

In addition to above you must have tax returns and transcripts. It does not designate how many years. That will be lender discretion.

Income used is the standard FHA income calculations for salary or hourly.

VA

VA does not address this in their guides. Mr. Cooper treats it similarly to FHA. Making sure they verify any ownership in the property and income must make sense.

USDA

USDA does not have specific guides as they already require two years tax returns and transcripts to verify income. Therefore, they already have the information needed to document potential ownership. Family income can be looked at in more detail than standard employment. Large increases in income with no supporting explanation will need to be addressed and properly documented.