Missing documents are the number one cause of delays. Gather everything below before your first lender meeting. Each lender’s list varies a little; this covers what most ask for.

Business documents

• ☐ Business tax returns, last 2–3 years
• ☐ Year-to-date profit and loss statement
• ☐ Year-to-date balance sheet
• ☐ Business debt schedule: lender, original amount, balance, payment, rate, maturity
• ☐ Business bank statements, last 3–12 months
• ☐ Accounts receivable and payable aging (if applicable)
• ☐ Business licenses and registrations
• ☐ Commercial lease, or purchase contract for property
• ☐ Articles of organization/incorporation and operating agreement or bylaws
• ☐ Ownership list with percentages (every owner, including indirect owners)
• ☐ EIN confirmation letter

Personal documents (each owner with 20% or more, and others the lender requests)

• ☐ Personal tax returns, last 2–3 years
• ☐ Personal financial statement (the lender will give you SBA Form 413 or its own form)
• ☐ Government ID
• ☐ Proof of U.S. citizenship or national status (2026 rule)
• ☐ Resume showing industry and management experience

Plan and projections

• ☐ Business plan (required for startups; helpful for everyone). See how to write one.
• ☐ Projections for 1–3 years with assumptions. See projections.
• ☐ Use-of-funds table
• ☐ Proof of your equity injection (bank statements)

SBA forms

• ☐ Borrower information form (SBA Form 1919 for 7(a) loans), provided by the lender
• ☐ SBA Form 159 if anyone is being paid to help with your application

Extra for buying a business

• ☐ Purchase agreement and letter of intent
• ☐ Seller’s tax returns and financials, last 3 years
• ☐ Business valuation (lender may order)
• ☐ List of assets included

Extra for real estate

• ☐ Purchase contract or construction budget
• ☐ Appraisal and environmental report (usually ordered by the lender)
• ☐ Contractor bids and plans for construction

Tip: scan everything into one folder with clear file names. Then find a lender in our lender finder.

Frequently asked questions

How many years of tax returns do I need for an SBA loan?

Usually the last two to three years of business and personal returns.

What SBA forms will I fill out?

Your lender provides them, including the borrower information form (SBA Form 1919 for 7(a) loans) and a personal financial statement.

Do I need to prove citizenship for an SBA loan?

Yes. Since 2026, lenders verify that every owner is a U.S. citizen or U.S. national.