1st Nationwide Mortgage expands no-tax-return lending for self-employed borrowers

1st Nationwide Mortgage said July 23, 2026, that it is broadening lending options for self-employed borrowers, freelancers and investors who want to qualify without tax returns or W-2s. The expansion could make it easier for borrowers with strong cash flow or rental income to access home, second-home and investment financing.

Why it matters: - Self-employed borrowers often show lower taxable income on paper because of legitimate business deductions, even when cash flow is stronger. - The new lending options give business owners, freelancers and investors another way to qualify for financing. - The programs also open a path to purchase and refinance loans for borrowers who do not fit standard W-2 underwriting.

What happened: - 1st Nationwide Mortgage Corporation (NMLS #1281) announced an expansion of its self-employed lending platform on July 23, 2026. - The lender said the expanded platform is designed to help borrowers qualify without tax returns or W-2s. - The company said the expansion applies to business owners, freelancers and real estate investors. - 1st Nationwide Mortgage is headquartered in Irvine, California. - The lender operates in more than 40 states and said select programs are available in 49 states plus Washington, D.C.

The details: - Bank statement loans allow borrowers to qualify on as few as 3 months of business or personal deposits. - 12-month and 24-month bank statement programs are also available. - Bank statement loans can be used for primary homes, second homes and investment properties. - DSCR investment loans qualify on the property's rental income rather than the borrower's personal income. - DSCR loans can cover short-term rental properties. - DSCR loans can also be closed in an LLC. - DSCR cash-out refinancing is available with no-ownership-seasoning options. - NONI, or no-income/no-doc, investment loans are available for experienced investors and foreign nationals at the premium tier. - NONI loans include cash-out options with zero seasoning. - The company is BBB A+ rated. - 1st Nationwide Mortgage operates as both a direct lender and broker depending on the loan program. - Borrowers can reach a loan specialist at (833) 350-9185. - The company's self-employed mortgage resource center is available at the self-employed mortgage resource center. - The DSCR loan program center is available at the DSCR loan program center. - More information is available at the company website.

Between the lines: - The expansion targets a common pain point in mortgage underwriting: taxable income can understate the borrowing power of self-employed applicants. - By leaning on deposits and property income instead of tax returns, 1st Nationwide Mortgage is positioning its programs for borrowers whose finances are harder to fit into conventional documentation rules. - The lender is also signaling a focus on investor-friendly products, including LLC closings and cash-out options.

What's next: - Borrowers will still have to qualify under underwriting and program guidelines. - Rates, terms and availability can change by program, applicant, state and loan purpose. - 1st Nationwide Mortgage said program availability varies by state. - The company included a standard note that the announcement is not a commitment to lend.

The bottom line: - 1st Nationwide Mortgage is widening access to mortgage products for self-employed borrowers by using bank deposits and rental income as underwriting paths instead of tax returns.