Documents to have ready
What lenders usually ask for, by financing type. Each lender sets its own list, so treat this as a starting point. Print it and tick items off as you gather them.
Almost every lender
- Business bank statements. The last three to six months. Nearly every lender asks for these first.
- Formation documents and EIN. Articles of organization or incorporation, plus your IRS EIN letter.
- ID for each owner with 20% or more. A driver's license or passport. Lenders verify everyone with a significant stake.
SBA 7(a) loan
- SBA Form 1919, borrower information form
- SBA Form 413, personal financial statement for each owner of 20% or more
- Business and personal federal tax returns, usually for two years
- Year-to-date profit and loss statement and balance sheet
- A schedule of current business debts, with balances and payments
- Ownership documents and proof that each owner is a U.S. citizen or U.S. national
- Formation documents, business licenses and owner ID
Equipment financing
- The vendor's quote or purchase agreement, with make, model and price
- Business bank statements, often the last three months
- Owner ID and basic business details
- For larger amounts: tax returns or financial statements
Business line of credit or term loan
- Business bank statements for the last 6 to 12 months
- Year-to-date profit and loss statement and balance sheet
- Business tax returns, often for one or two years
- A schedule of current business debts
- Owner ID and formation documents
Working-capital advance
- Card processing statements, often the last three to six months
- Business bank statements for the same period
- A list of any open advances, with balances and daily or weekly payments
- Owner ID
Last reviewed October 14, 2026. SBA forms link to sba.gov. Request options