In MB, what should I know about self-employed borrowers for car loans?
In Manitoba, self-employed borrowers seeking car loans require a more robust income verification process than salaried individuals. Lenders typically demand your last two to three years of T1 General or T2 Corporate tax returns, corresponding Notices of Assessment (NOAs) from the CRA, and comprehensive business and personal bank statements to demonstrate consistent income and cash flow. This detailed scrutiny is essential because self-employment income can be perceived as less stable or predictable, requiring lenders to accurately assess your long-term ability to repay the loan. It's crucial to understand that while business write-offs are beneficial for tax purposes, they can reduce your declared taxable income, potentially impacting your debt-to-income ratio and overall loan qualification. Consequently, due to this elevated risk perception, self-employed individuals may encounter higher interest rates, be required to provide a larger down payment, or face stricter approval criteria. In the current 2025 market, with potentially tighter lending standards, a strong financial history and excellent credit score are even more critical to secure favourable financing terms.