What document is commonly required to confirm an applicant's income for mortgage qualification?

The document commonly required to confirm an applicant's income for mortgage qualification is a letter of employment. This letter is an official communication from the applicant’s employer that outlines details such as the individual’s job position, employment status, length of employment, and salary or hourly wage. This information is crucial for lenders as it helps them assess the applicant's financial stability and ability to repay the mortgage.

A letter of employment is particularly valuable because it provides verification directly from the employer, reducing the risk of inaccuracies that might arise from self-reported income. This type of documentation is standard practice in the mortgage application process, as lenders seek reliable and official proof of income to make informed lending decisions.

In terms of other documents that may also be used in the assessment process, tax returns and pay stubs are useful but mainly serve as supplementary evidence rather than primary confirmation of income. Bank statements can provide insight into the applicant's financial behavior and reserves but do not specifically confirm income levels in the same direct way that a letter of employment does.