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Proof of income letter generator
Landlords and lenders ask for proof of income, and freelancers don't get pay slips. Create a self-employment income statement you sign yourself, or a verification letter for a regular client to sign. Then print it or save it as a PDF, with the documents that back it up.
[Your address]
September 29, 2026
To whom it may concern,
Re: Statement of self-employment income
I, [Your name], am self-employed. I provide [describe your work] to clients as an independent contractor, and have worked this way since [start date].
My income from this work is as follows:
| Average monthly income, last 12 months | [amount] |
I can provide supporting documents on request, such as tax returns, 1099 forms, bank statements and invoices. I confirm that the information in this letter is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
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What counts as proof of income when you're self-employed
A letter on its own is rarely enough. Landlords, lenders and agencies usually want it backed by documents, and the more of these you can provide, the stronger your application:
- Tax returns for the last one or two years. In the US, that's your Form 1040 with Schedule C.
- 1099 forms from clients who sent them.
- Bank statements showing regular deposits, often the last three to six months.
- A profit and loss statement for this year so far.
- Invoices and contracts showing ongoing work.
- A letter from a client confirming what they pay you, which is the second letter this tool makes.
Which letter to use
The self-employment income statement is written and signed by you: what you do, how long you've done it, and what you earn. Use it with your tax returns and bank statements. The client verification letter is drafted for a client who pays you regularly to sign on their letterhead. It carries more weight because it comes from someone else, so ask a client who knows your work and will answer if the landlord calls.
Only state what you can back up
Use figures that match your tax returns and bank statements, and round down rather than up. Overstating income on a rental or loan application can have serious consequences. If your income varies month to month, an average over the last twelve months is the fairest figure, and it's what this letter asks for.
Keep the numbers ready
The easiest proof of income is a clean record of what clients have paid you. A free RivitPay account keeps every invoice you send and marks it paid when the money arrives, so this year's income is always one glance away. The self-employment tax calculator shows what to set aside from it.
Frequently asked questions
How do I prove income if I'm self-employed?
Combine a signed income statement or a client's verification letter with documents: tax returns such as Form 1040 with Schedule C, 1099 forms, recent bank statements, a profit and loss statement, and invoices or contracts showing ongoing work.
What should a proof of income letter include?
Your name and contact details, the date, who it's addressed to, what work you do and since when, your average monthly income and recent totals, an offer to provide supporting documents, and a signature.
Can I write my own proof of income letter?
Yes, as a self-employed person you can write and sign a statement of your own income, but landlords and lenders usually want it backed by tax returns, bank statements or a letter from a client.
Who can sign an income verification letter for a freelancer?
A client who pays you regularly can sign one on their letterhead, confirming how long you've worked with them and roughly what they pay. An accountant who prepares your taxes can also provide a letter.
Is my information saved?
No. The letter is built entirely in your browser and nothing you type is uploaded or stored. Print it or save it as a PDF before you leave the page.