Short answer: rarely from mainstream lenders. They verify income to measure your debt-to-income ratio, and debt-to-income was the first reason on 44% of HELOC denials in 2025. Some home equity investment providers don't review income at all, because there's no monthly payment for you to afford.
Why lenders check income
A HELOC has monthly payments, so lenders check that your income can cover them along with your other debts. The higher your debt-to-income ratio, the more often applications were denied in 2025:
| Debt-to-income ratio | HELOC applications denied |
|---|---|
| Under 20% | 31% |
| 20% to 29% | 17% |
| 30% to 35% | 18% |
| 36% to 42% | 18% |
| 43% to 49% | 22% |
| 50% to 60% | 48% |
| Over 60% | 93% |
Source: HEI Facts analysis of 2025 HMDA data. Over 60% debt-to-income, 93% of applications were denied.
Home equity investments and income
- Point says it doesn't review income as part of an HEI application and doesn't require personal or business tax returns (Point help center).
- Unlock describes a qualification process with no income requirement (Unlock FAQs).
- Hometap, Unison, Splitero, and CHEIFS: the pages we reviewed don't say whether they verify income. Ask before you apply.
That's why HEIs come up for self-employed and retired homeowners, and for anyone whose income is hard to document. You still need enough equity, and the provider still reviews your credit, home, and title. Requirements by provider: Point, Unlock, Splitero, Hometap, CHEIFS, Unison. Or check every provider at once with the HEI Offers matcher.
The trade-off
Skipping the income check isn't free. An HEI's cost is a share of your home's future value, which usually works out higher than a HELOC rate. See are HEIs a good idea? and run your numbers on the HEI Calculator.
Questions
Can I get a HELOC without proof of income?
Rarely from mainstream lenders, since they need income to check debt-to-income, the most common reason HELOCs were denied in 2025. Some home equity investment providers, such as Point, say they don't review income.
Can I get a home equity loan if I'm self-employed with no tax returns?
Most lenders will want tax returns or other proof of income. Point says it doesn't require personal or business tax returns for its HEI.
Do home equity investments check income?
It depends on the provider. Point says it doesn't review income, and Unlock describes no income requirement. Ask the others before you apply.
Want someone on your side?
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