Can You Get Business Funding Without Tax Returns?

Quick answer: Yes, you can get business funding without tax returns. Funding based on your bank statements, like a merchant cash advance (MCA), usually needs only a short application and your recent business bank statements. At Brookestone Funding, approved businesses are typically funded within 24 to 48 hours, with merchant cash advances from $10,000 to $2,000,000. Bank loans and SBA loans, on the other hand, almost always require tax returns.

Why some lenders don’t need your tax returns

Tax returns show what your business earned last year. Bank statements show what it’s earning right now. Revenue-based funders care most about your current cash flow, so your recent deposits tell them what they need to know.

This is a big help if:

• You haven’t filed this year’s return yet, or you’re on an extension.
• Your tax return shows low profit because of write-offs, even though sales are strong.
• Your business grew a lot recently, so last year’s numbers undersell you.
• You need money fast and can’t wait for a bank’s full review.

Funding options that usually don’t require tax returns

Merchant cash advance

A merchant cash advance is based on your future sales. Approval depends mostly on your bank statements, it doesn’t require collateral, and it’s one of the fastest ways to get funded.

Business line of credit

Some business lines of credit are approved mainly from bank statements and revenue, especially for smaller limits. You only pay on what you draw.

Invoice factoring

With factoring, approval is based on your unpaid invoices and your customers’ payment history, not your tax returns.

Equipment financing

For smaller amounts, many equipment financing programs need only an application and a quote for the equipment, since the equipment backs the deal.

When you will need tax returns

• SBA loans: these almost always require business and personal tax returns.
• Bank term loans: banks typically ask for two or more years of returns.
• Very large amounts: even revenue-based funders may ask for more documents on larger requests.

Products that skip tax returns usually cost more than SBA or bank loans, because the lender is taking on more risk and moving faster. If you have time and strong financials, an SBA loan is usually the cheapest option.

What you’ll need instead

• A short application
• Your recent business bank statements
• A government-issued ID for the owner
• Basic business information, like your legal business name and how long you’ve been operating

For the full list, see our business loan documents checklist.

What lenders look for in your bank statements

• Steady monthly revenue. Lenders want to see consistent deposits month to month.
• Few overdrafts or returned payments. These signal tight cash flow.
• Existing debt payments. Other loans or advances coming out of your account reduce how much you can take on.
• Business deposits in a business account. Mixing personal and business money makes your revenue harder to verify.

Get funded with Brookestone Funding

Brookestone Funding is a direct business financing lender based in Edison, New Jersey, serving small businesses nationwide. We look at your business revenue and cash flow, not just your paperwork, and most approved businesses are funded within 24 to 48 hours. Wondering how much you could qualify for? Read how much business loan you can get based on your revenue.

Apply now or call (877) 665-4209.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get a business loan without tax returns?

Yes. Revenue-based options like merchant cash advances and some lines of credit are approved mainly from your recent business bank statements. SBA and bank loans usually do require tax returns.

What documents do I need for a merchant cash advance?

Usually a short application, your recent business bank statements and the owner’s ID. Larger requests may need more.

Can I get business funding if I haven’t filed my taxes yet?

Often, yes. Bank statement-based funding doesn’t depend on your tax return, so an unfiled or extended return doesn’t automatically stop you from getting funded.

Is funding without tax returns more expensive?

Usually. Because the lender reviews less paperwork and funds faster, these products typically cost more than SBA or bank loans. Compare offers by total payback before you sign.