Applying · 5 min read
The SBA Loan Application Checklist (Documents Lenders Want)
Every document a typical SBA lender asks for, why they want it, and how to assemble a clean package the first time.
Every SBA lender asks for roughly the same documents. The faster you can hand them a clean package, the faster you get a real answer. Here's the working checklist.
Personal (for every 20%+ owner)
- SBA Form 1919 (borrower information form)
- SBA Form 413 (personal financial statement)
- Two years of personal tax returns
- Government-issued photo ID
Business
- Two to three years of business tax returns
- Year-to-date P&L and balance sheet (within 90 days)
- Last 6–12 months of business bank statements
- Debt schedule (lender, balance, payment, rate, maturity)
- Articles of incorporation / operating agreement
- Business licenses and EIN letter
Use of proceeds
- Working capital: brief written use of funds.
- Equipment: vendor quotes / invoices.
- Real estate: purchase contract, appraisal, environmental.
- Business acquisition: LOI, seller financials, asset list, business valuation.
What slows applications down most
In our experience, the three most common delays are: (1) personal financial statements that don't tie to the tax returns, (2) bank statements with large unexplained deposits, and (3) outdated YTD financials. We handle the back-and-forth on all of these for you.
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