Proof of Income Letter — Free Template for Landlords, Lenders and Agencies
Landlords, lenders and benefit agencies often ask for a letter confirming how much you earn. Answer the questions below to write one yourself, or, if you're an employer, to verify an employee's income, and your letter fills itself in as you type.
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Free to preview[Your full name (the person writing and signing)]
[Your address and phone number]
October 15, 2026
[Who the letter is for]
Re: Proof of income
Dear [Who the letter is for],
I am writing to provide proof of my income. I have worked as [Job title or type of work] with [Employer or business name] since [Start date], and I currently earn [Income amount] [That amount is…].
The information in this letter is accurate to the best of my knowledge as of the date above. If you need to verify any of it, please contact me using the details above.
Sincerely,
[Your full name (the person writing and signing)]
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Templates for your situation
Each version starts with the right wording for that situation already filled in.
What to do, step by step
Ask what the recipient needs
Landlords, lenders and agencies differ. Ask whether they want gross or take-home pay, monthly or yearly figures, and whether they need the letter from you or from your employer.
Gather your numbers
Check your pay stubs, offer letter, tax return or bank statements so every figure in the letter is accurate and matches your documents.
Fill in your letter
Answer the questions above. Employers should enter the employee's name; if you're writing about your own income, leave it blank and the letter is written in the first person.
Attach proof and sign
Attach supporting documents such as pay stubs, tax returns or bank statements, then sign the letter. Employer letters are best printed on company letterhead.
Send it and keep a copy
Send the letter the way the recipient prefers and keep a copy for your records in case they call to verify it.
What if a landlord or lender won't accept your letter?
A proof of income letter is often supporting evidence rather than the only proof a landlord or lender will accept. If they say it isn't enough, ask exactly what they need. Common alternatives include recent pay stubs, a W-2 or 1099, tax returns, bank statements showing regular deposits, a benefits award letter or a letter from an accountant.
If your income is irregular, such as self-employment, gig or cash work, offer a longer history: a full year of bank statements or two years of tax returns usually carries more weight than a single month. Some landlords will also accept a larger security deposit, a co-signer or a guarantor where local rules allow it.
Never overstate your income. Landlords and lenders often verify by calling employers or reviewing tax records, and false statements on a rental or loan application can lead to a denial, a terminated lease or worse.
Example proof of income letter
A filled-in sample with made-up details, so you can see the finished result.
Dana Rivera
Owner, Rivera Design Studio
1450 Harbor Blvd, Oakland, CA 94607 · (510) 555-0142
October 5, 2026
Bayview Apartments Leasing Office
Re: Proof of income
Dear Bayview Apartments Leasing Office,
I am writing to provide proof of my income. I have worked as a self-employed graphic designer with Rivera Design Studio since March 1, 2021, and I currently earn $6,200.00 per month.
My income comes from ongoing design contracts with four regular clients, two of which I have worked with for more than three years. Over the past 12 months my gross business income was $74,400, and I expect it to stay at about the same level in the coming year.
To support this letter, I have enclosed the following: my 2025 federal tax return with Schedule C, a year-to-date profit and loss statement and my last three business bank statements.
The information in this letter is accurate to the best of my knowledge as of the date above. If you need to verify any of it, please contact me using the details above.
Sincerely,
Dana Rivera
Owner, Rivera Design Studio
Frequently asked questions
What is a proof of income letter?
It's a short letter stating how much a person earns, from what source and since when. It may be written by an employer to verify an employee's pay, or by a self-employed person or contractor about their own income, usually along with supporting documents like tax returns or bank statements.
Can I write my own proof of income letter?
Yes, especially if you're self-employed, freelance or paid in cash. A letter you write yourself carries more weight when backed by documents such as tax returns, 1099s, invoices or bank statements. If you have an employer, many recipients prefer a letter from them instead.
Should I list gross or net income?
Most landlords and lenders ask for gross income, meaning before taxes and deductions. Some benefit programs ask for take-home pay. If you're not sure, ask the recipient, and say which one you're listing in the letter.
What documents can prove income besides a letter?
Common options are recent pay stubs, W-2s or 1099s, federal tax returns, bank statements showing regular deposits, an offer letter for a new job, a benefits award letter for Social Security or disability, and a profit and loss statement for a business.
Does a proof of income letter need to be notarized?
Usually not. Most landlords and lenders accept a signed letter with contact details so they can verify it. A few agencies or programs ask for a notarized statement; if so, they'll tell you, and you can sign in front of a notary.
FairLetter is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Letters are templates you customize and send yourself.