Loan for Self-EmployedWithout Tax Return
No current tax return? Learn which alternative documents lenders accept and how you can still secure favorable loans as a self-employed individual.
Key Takeaways
- 1Tax return not mandatory: There are alternative documents like BWA, EUR, or bank statements.
- 2P2P and fintechs: These providers often have more flexible criteria than traditional banks.
- 3Startup options: KfW loans and microloans enable financing from day 1.
- 4Improve conditions: A co-borrower, collateral, or guarantors help.
1. The Challenge: Loans Without Tax Returns
As a self-employed individual or freelancer, you know the problem: banks typically require the last two to three tax returns for loan approval. But what if you cannot provide these? There are many reasons:
Common Reasons
- -Business started less than 2 years ago
- -Tax return still being processed
- -Transition from employment to self-employment
- -Ongoing appeal with the tax office
- -Delayed processing by tax authorities
Why Banks Are Cautious
- -Fluctuating income for self-employed
- -No employer as additional security
- -Higher default risk statistically proven
- -Complex income situations
- -Lack of standardized documentation
Good News
There are numerous lenders and ways to obtain a loan even without a current tax return. In this guide, we show you all your options.
2. Alternative Income Documentation
Many lenders today accept alternative documents that portray your financial situation just as well, or even more currently, than a tax return. You should prepare these documents:
Business Assessment (BWA)
The BWA is the most important alternative document. It shows monthly or quarterly revenues, costs, and profit of your business. Most tax advisors create it automatically.
Income Statement (EUR)
The EUR (Einnahmen-Ueberschuss-Rechnung) is the simplified profit calculation for freelancers and smaller businesses. It shows your income and expenses for the fiscal year.
Bank Statements (Business Account)
Complete bank statements from the last 6-12 months show your actual cash flows. Many fintechs analyze these automatically via Open Banking.
Order Confirmations and Contracts
Current contracts and order confirmations document future income. Long-term contracts with solvent clients are particularly valuable.
Tip: Prepare Documents
The more documentation you can provide, the better. Prepare all available documents before your loan application. This speeds up processing and improves your terms.
3. Lenders with Flexible Criteria
Not every bank strictly requires tax returns. These lender types are known for their flexible requirements for self-employed individuals:
Lender Types Overview
| Lender Type | Advantages | Interest Range |
|---|---|---|
| P2P Platforms | Flexible criteria, fast decisions | 5% - 15% |
| Fintech Loans | Digital process, account analysis | 4% - 12% |
| Specialized Brokers | Access to many banks, consultation | 4% - 10% |
| KfW Subsidized Loans | Low interest, for startups | 1% - 5% |
| Microloan Institutions | Small amounts, simple review | 6% - 12% |
P2P Platforms
With P2P loans, private individuals lend money to borrowers. The platforms often have more flexible criteria than banks and consider your individual situation.
- +No strict tax return requirements
- +Fast online decisions
- -Higher rates with lower creditworthiness
Fintech Providers
Modern fintechs use account analysis tools to evaluate your financial situation in real-time. They are often more open to alternative documentation.
- +Digital account analysis instead of paper documents
- +Decisions often within hours
- -Usually smaller loan amounts
4. Special Cases and Situations
Startups and New Business Owners
As a startup, you naturally do not have tax returns from self-employment. These options are available to you:
KfW Startup Loans
Government-guaranteed loans with favorable rates. The business plan replaces the tax return.
Microloans
Small amounts up to 25,000 EUR with simplified review. Ideal for getting started.
Guarantee Banks
Taking over default guarantees that enable the bank loan.
Startup Grant
Non-repayable grant from the Employment Agency for unemployment benefit recipients.
Part-Time Self-Employed
As a part-time self-employed individual, you have a decisive advantage: your employment income serves as security.
- +Regular main income: Banks see this as a stable foundation
- +Additional income: Self-employment improves your creditworthiness
- +Normal credit check: Often salary statements are sufficient
Seasonal Fluctuations
Many self-employed individuals have seasonal income fluctuations. Here is how to present your situation optimally:
- -Show annual revenue instead of monthly figures
- -Explain your business model and typical cycles
- -Disclose reserves in your account
- -Apply for the loan during your high season
5. Practical Tips for Successful Applications
Prepare Documents
Gather all available documentation: BWA, EUR, bank statements, contracts. The more complete, the better.
Optimize Schufa
Check your Schufa report and correct any errors. A good score compensates for missing documents.
Add Co-Borrower
A partner with regular income as a co-borrower significantly improves your chances.
Offer Collateral
Vehicles, real estate, or life insurance as collateral reduce risk for the bank.
Get Multiple Offers
Rate inquiries are Schufa-neutral. Compare at least 5 lenders for the best offer.
Be Realistic
Choose loan amounts and terms that fit your situation. Requests that are too high get rejected.
Pre-Application Checklist
6. Compare Loan Offers Now
With our loan comparison, you can find lenders who offer loans to self-employed individuals even without tax returns. The comparison is free, non-binding, and Schufa-neutral.
Loading loan comparison...
Your Benefits
- Lenders with flexible criteria in comparison
- Schufa-neutral rate inquiry
- Also for startups and freelancers
- SSL-encrypted data transmission
7. Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, there are lenders who offer loans without requiring a tax return. They accept alternative documents such as business assessments (BWA), bank statements, or contract confirmations. P2P platforms and specialized loan brokers are often more flexible than traditional banks.
Accepted alternatives include: Business Assessment (BWA) from the last 12-24 months, Income Statement (EUR), bank statements from the last 6-12 months, existing order confirmations or contracts, and revenue records from accounting software.
Traditional banks typically require 2-3 years of self-employment with tax returns. Alternative lenders often accept just 12 months of documented activity. For startups, there are special programs like KfW startup loans or microloans.
Generally yes. Without a tax return, lenders assess the risk as higher, which can lead to interest rate increases of 1-3 percentage points. You can improve your terms with a co-borrower, collateral, or by demonstrating high account balances.
A Business Assessment (BWA - Betriebswirtschaftliche Auswertung) is a monthly or quarterly report from your accounting that shows revenues, costs, and profit. It is more current than a tax return and shows the actual financial situation of your business.
Specialized lenders include: P2P platforms like auxmoney or Smava, fintechs like iwoca or Funding Circle, specialized loan brokers, and some direct banks with flexible criteria. Comparing multiple providers is worthwhile.
Yes, part-time self-employed individuals often have better chances as they can demonstrate regular employment income. Self-employment income is considered additional and improves creditworthiness.
P2P (Peer-to-Peer) loans are funded by private individuals through platforms. They have more flexible criteria than banks and are therefore often easier for self-employed individuals to obtain. Interest rates vary significantly depending on credit rating.
Conclusion: Loans Without Tax Returns Are Possible
As a self-employed individual without a current tax return, you have more options than often assumed. With alternative documentation such as BWA, bank statements, and order confirmations, you can obtain loans from many lenders. The key lies in proper preparation and choosing the right provider.
Preparation
Gather all documents, check Schufa
Compare
Include P2P, fintechs, and brokers
Optimize
Use co-borrowers, collateral
More Loan Guides
Legal Notice
The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The interest rates and terms stated are indicative and may vary significantly depending on the provider, creditworthiness, and individual circumstances. For binding information, please consult a licensed financial advisor or contact the lender directly. Last updated: February 2026.