Your mortgage document checklist: what to gather and why
Your documents help the lender verify who you are, how you earn income, where your down payment comes from and what property secures the mortgage. You do not need to collect every possible document: start with your personalized application portal requests.
Income: show both the amount and the pattern
For salaried or hourly employment, common requests include a recent signed employment letter, a current pay statement and T4s or tax assessments. The letter may need to confirm role, start date, salary or guaranteed hours and an employer contact. A letter dated within 30 days is a common request—not a universal law. Variable pay, leave, probation or a recent job change may need additional explanation.
- Tell Matt about overtime, bonuses, commissions and changing hours.
- A T4 summarizes employment income; a pay stub shows current earnings and deductions.
- A Notice of Assessment shows CRA’s assessment; separate current proof may be needed to show a tax balance is paid.
If you are self-employed
Common requests include complete T1 returns, Notices of Assessment and proof of current tax balances. Incorporated applicants may also need financial statements, incorporation records and other company information. Two years is a common starting point, but acceptable history and alternative programs vary. T1, T2 and business financial statements are different documents.
Down payment: make the money trail easy to follow
Lenders often request about 90 days of account history to verify ownership, balances and source of funds. The actual period and deposit questions depend on the lender and your file. There is no universal rule that only deposits above $1,000 need explaining. Show transfers between accounts and retain documents for gifts, investments or sale proceeds.
- Download complete statements showing your name, account information, dates and all pages.
- Explain unusual deposits before they become last-minute questions.
- Ask before moving funds or making a qualifying FHSA or RRSP withdrawal.
Identification, property and existing debts
Expect an approved identity-verification process and, later, banking information for mortgage payments. After an offer, provide the signed purchase contract, amendments and requested property listing. Existing owners may need mortgage or credit-line statements, tax bills, leases and a signed sale agreement. A BC assessment notice is not the same as proof that property taxes are paid.
Send it securely and in manageable batches
Upload legible, complete records to the application portal and follow the exact request. Do not email passwords or banking login details. Do not edit or obscure required information without asking what can be redacted. If a document is difficult to obtain, tell Matt early so we can discuss acceptable alternatives with the lender.
- Start with income and down-payment records.
- Keep originals and copies available until funding.
- Tell us when something changes rather than waiting for the lender to discover it.
Let’s make this personal
Tell Matt what matters most to you, and what feels unclear. We can help you work through the mortgage side of the decision and coordinate the next steps with your other professionals. Email matt.parker@indimortgage.ca or call 778.897.2554.
General Canadian mortgage guidance with British Columbia context; reviewed October 16, 2026. Your lender’s written requirements, mortgage contract and professional legal or tax advice take priority.