Gearing Up: A Comprehensive List of Documents Needed for a Business Loan
You're excited to get your business off the ground and have decided to seek a business loan. Good for you! A loan can give your business the boost it needs to get started and grow. There are a few things you'll need to do before you can apply for a loan, though. One of the most important is gathering the required documents. This comprehensive list will help you get started.
Identity and Address proof
The first document you'll need is some form of identification, such as a driver's license, passport or state ID. You'll also need to provide proof of your current address, such as a utility bill or bank statement. This can be a recent statement (within the past 60 days) or a document that's stamped with the current date.
Ownership proof
When you go in to get a business loan, the lender will want to see proof that you are the legal owner of the business. This can be done in a few ways:
- A copy of your business license
- A copy of your articles of incorporation
- A copy of your bylaws
- A certificate of good standing from the state or province in which your company is registered
Business continuity proof
One of the most important documents you'll need to provide is some proof of continuity for your business. This could be in the form of an up-to-date business plan, financial statements or projections, or letters from clients or partners testifying to your good standing in the industry. Basically, anything that shows the lender that your business is viable and has a good chance of succeeding in the long run.
Banking History
The lender will also want to see your business's banking history. This usually comes in the form of bank statements from the past few months. The lender will use these statements to get a better understanding of your business's financials, including its revenue, expenses, and cash flow. In addition to your business's bank statements, the lender may also ask for your personal bank statements. This is because many small businesses are owner-operated, meaning the owner's personal finances are often intertwined with the business's finances. If you're not sure what documents your lender will need, it's best to ask ahead of time. That way, you can be sure you have everything you need when you're ready to apply for a loan.
Firm Constitution
This one's pretty simple: you'll just need your Articles of Incorporation or a Certificate of Formation. If you're a LLC, you'll need your Articles of Organization. If you're a partnership, you'll need your Partnership Agreement. Basically, any document that officially states the existence of your business and outlines its purpose will suffice. This is typically filed with your state's secretary of state. If you're not sure where to find your business's official formation documents, you can check with your state's secretary of state office or your local county clerk.
Latest Tax Audit Report
Your tax audit report is one of the most important documents you'll need to provide when applying for a business loan. This document will give lenders a clear picture of your business's financial health and compliance with tax laws. Be sure to include your latest tax audit report when applying for a business loan. This document is essential in helping lenders understand your business's financial health and compliance with tax laws.
Conclusion
So, you're looking to get a business loan. Good for you! It's a big step, but it's one that can really help your business grow. Just make sure you have all the documents you need, so the process can go as smoothly as possible.
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