Finding Your Old 401k: Here's What to Do

How to Find an Old 401(k)

Tracking down an old 401(k) may take some time, and perhaps the quickest way to find old 401(k) money is to contact your former employer to see where the account is now. It’s possible that your lost 401(k) isn’t lost at all; instead, it’s right where you left it.

In some cases, however, employers may cash out an old 401(k) or roll it over to an IRA on behalf of a former employee. In that case, you might have to do a little more digging to find lost 401(k) funds. If you ever wished you could click on an app called “Find my 401(k),” the following strategies may be of use.

4 Ways to Track Down Lost or Forgotten 401(k) Accounts

There’s no real secret to how to find old 401(k) accounts. But the process can be a little time consuming as it may require you to search online or make a phone call or two. But it can be well worth it if you’re able to locate your old 401(k).

There are several ways to find an old 401(k) account. Here are a handful that may prove fruitful.

Contact Former Employers

The first place to start when trying to find old 401(k) accounts is with your previous employer.

If you had more than $5,000 in your 401(k) at the time you left your job, it’s likely that your account may still be right where you left it. In that case, you have a few options for what to do with the money:

•   Leave it where it is

•   Transfer your 401(k) to your current employer’s qualified plan

•   Rollover the account into an Individual Retirement Account (IRA)

•   Cash it out

When your plan balance is less than $5,000 your employer might require you to do a 401(k) rollover or cash it out. If you’re comfortable with the investment options offered through the plan and the fees you’ll pay, you might decide to leave it alone until you get a little closer to retirement. On the other hand, if you’d like to consolidate all of your retirement money into a single account, you may want to roll it into your current plan or into an IRA.

Cashing out your 401(k) has some downsides. You would owe taxes on the money, and likely an early withdrawal penalty as well. So you may only want to consider this option if your account holds a smaller amount of money. If you had less than $5,000 in your old 401(k), it’s possible that your employer may have rolled the money over to an IRA for you or cashed it out and mailed a check to you.

Recommended: How Does a 401(k) Rollover Work?

Track Down Old Statements

If you have an old account statement, you can contact your 401(k) provider directly to find out what’s happened to your lost 401(k). This might be necessary if your former employer has gone out of business and your old 401(k) plan was terminated.

When a company terminates a 401(k), the IRS requires a rollover notice to be sent to plan participants. If you’ve moved since leaving the company, the plan administrator may have outdated address information for you on file. So you may not be aware that the money was rolled over.

Either way, your plan administrator should be able to tell you which custodian now holds your lost 401(k) funds. Once you have that information, you could reach out to the custodian to determine how much money is in the account. You can then decide if you want to leave it where it is, roll it over to another retirement account, or cash it out.

Check With Government Agencies

Different types of retirement plans, including 401(k) plans, are required to keep certain information on file with the IRS and the Department of Labor (DOL). One key piece of information is DOL Form 5500. This form is used to collect data for employee benefit plans that are subject to federal ERISA (Employee Retirement Income Security Act) guidelines.

How does that help you find your 401(k)? The Department of Labor offers a Form 5500 search tool online that you can use to locate lost 401(k) plans. You can search by plan name or plan sponsor. If you know either one, you can look up the plan’s Form 5500, which should include contact information. From there, you can reach out to the plan sponsor to track down your lost 401(k).

Search National Registries

Another place to try is the National Registry of Unclaimed Retirement Benefits. This is an online database you can use to search for an unclaimed 401(k) that you may have left with a previous employer. You’ll need to enter your Social Security number to search for lost retirement account benefits.

In order for your name to come up in the search results, your former employer must have entered your name and personal information in that database. If they haven’t done so, it’s possible you may not find your account this way.

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What Should I Do With Recovered Funds?

If you do manage to recover an old 401(k) account and its assets, you’ll have some options as to what to do with it. In many cases, it might be a good idea to roll it over into another retirement account to try and stay on track with your retirement savings.

Another important point to consider: If you’ve changed jobs multiple times, it’s possible that you could have more than one “lost” 401(k) — and taken together, that money could make a surprising difference to your nest egg.

Last, if you were lucky to have an employer that offered a matching 401(k) contribution, your missing account (or accounts) may have more money in them than you think. For example, a common employer match is 50%, up to the first 6% of your salary. If you don’t make an effort to find old 401(k) accounts, you’re missing out on that “free money” as well.

But if you’re unsure of what to do, it may be worth speaking with a financial professional for guidance.

Further, if you’re not able to find lost 401(k) accounts you still have plenty of options for retirement savings. Contributing to your current employer’s 401(k) allows you to set aside money on a tax-deferred basis. And you might be able to grow your money faster with an employer matching contribution.

What if you’re self-employed? In that case, you could choose to open a solo or individual 401(k). This type of 401(k) plan is designed for business owners who have no employees or only employ their spouses. These plans follow the same contribution and withdrawal rules as traditional employer-sponsored 401(k) plans, though special contribution rules apply if you’re self-employed.

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The Takeaway

There are several ways to try and find an old 401(k) account, but for most people, the best place to start is by contacting your old employers to see if they can help you. From there, you can also try reaching out to government agencies, tracking down old statements, or even searching through databases to see what you can find.

Saving for retirement is important for most people who are trying to reach their financial goals – as such, if you have money or assets in a retirement account, it may be worthwhile to try and track it down. Again, it may be worth consulting with a financial professional if you need help.

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FAQ

Is it possible to lose your 401(k)?

It’s possible to lose money from your 401(k) if you’re cashing it out and taking a big tax hit or your investments suffer losses. But simply changing jobs doesn’t mean your old 401(k) is gone for good. It does, however, mean that you may need to spend time locating it if it’s been a while since you changed jobs.

Do I need my social security number to find an old 401(k)?

Generally, yes, you’ll need your Social Security number to find a lost 401(k) account. This is because your Social Security number is used to verify your identity and ensure that the plan you’re inquiring about actually belongs to you.

What happens to an unclaimed 401(k)?

Unclaimed 401(k) accounts may be liquidated or converted to cash if enough time passes, and that cash could be transferred to a state government, where it will be held as unclaimed property.

Can a financial advisor find old 401(k) accounts?

A financial advisor may be able to help, but the simplest way to find old 401(k) accounts is contacting your former employer. It’s possible your money may still be in your old plan and if not, your previous employer or plan administrator may be able to tell you where it’s been moved to.


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What Is a W-2?

A W-2 can be a vital component to your tax return every April. But what exactly is a W-2? It’s a form filed by an employer that shows compensation paid and amounts withheld from an employee’s paycheck. Compensation includes wages, tips, and other forms of money paid. Withholding can include taxes and other amounts deducted from an employee’s pay. If you have more than one employer, you may receive multiple W-2 forms. These forms are essential documents in filing your taxes for the previous year.

Knowing how to read your W-2 can be helpful in understanding your overall tax liability. Here, you’ll learn more about these documents, including:

•   What are the parts of a W-2?

•   Who receives a W-2?

•   When should your W-2 arrive?

•   What’s the connection between a W-2 and a W-4?

Parts of a W-2

All W-2 forms require the same information, regardless of the employer and employee. This information includes key employer information, such as business address and employer identification number (EIN). It also includes the employee’s information, such as social security number and mailing address. It’s a good idea to assess the form for any errors; if you see an error, contact your employer for a corrected form.

The W-2 has boxes that display various information. On the left side of the form, you’ll see the following:

•   Box A displays the employee’s Social Security number.

•   Box B shows the employer’s identification number, or EIN.

•   Box C contains the employer’s name, address and zip code.

•   Box D is a control number (something some employers use).

•   Box E is the employee’s name.

•   Box F is the employee’s address.

To the right and below the information above, you’ll see these areas:

•   Box 1 reflects earnings: wages, tips and other compensation.

•   Box 2 is federal income tax withheld.

•   Box 3 shows Social Security tax-eligible wages.

•   Box 4 contains Social Security withheld.

•   Box 5 is Medicare tax-eligible wages and tips.

•   Box 6 shows Medicare tax withheld.

•   Box 7 is Social Security tips (meaning discretionary earnings, such as tips, that are subject to Social Security taxation).

•   Box 8 is allocated tips (tips your employer assigned to you beyond those you have reported).

•   Box 9 is blank, a remnant of its previous use for any advance of the Earned Income Credit, which ended in 2010.

•   Box 10 reflects dependent care benefits.

•   Box 11 contains nonqualified plans, meaning money put in a tax-deferred retirement plan sponsored by your employer, which can reduce your taxable income.

•   Boxes 12 may be blank or may be filled in with codes A through HH, which identify miscellaneous forms of income that need to be reported to the IRS.

•   Box 13 shows statutory employee, retirement plans, and third-party sick pay. These will be checked off if you are a statutory employee, meaning an individual contractor who is treated like an employee; if you participate in a qualifying retirement plan; and/or if payments were made by a third party (such as an insurance plan) for disability pay or the like.

•   Box 14 reflects other deductions.

•   Box 15 shows the state and the employer’s state ID.

•   Box 16 contains state wages.

•   Box 17 shows state income tax, if withheld.

•   Box 18 reflects local tax-eligible wages, tips, etc.

•   Box 19 shows any local taxes withheld.

•   Box 20 contains the name of the locality.

Employees receive multiple copies of the same W-2 from each employer, to be filed with a federal tax return, a state tax return, and to be kept for the employee’s records. The IRS recommends keeping copies of W-2s for anywhere from three to seven years, depending on your situation.

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Who Receives a W-2?

Now that you know what a W-2 tax form is, you may wonder, who gets one? If you are an employee of a business, you should receive a W-2. If, however, you are a freelancer (aka an independent contractor), you should receive a Form 1099, showing freelance income subject to self-employment taxation, and not a W-2.

Recommended: How Do I Know What Tax Bracket I Am In?

When to Expect a W-2

The IRS requires employers to send out W-2s by January 31st for the prior tax year. This allows employees to prepare for tax season and get their returns in by mid-April. It might take a few days for the mail service to deliver it to you.

The Connection Between a W-2 and a W-4

The forms W-2 and W-4 may sound alike, but they work quite differently. You’ve just learned the answer to “What is a W-2 tax form?” Now, here’s what a W-4 is.

A new employee will be asked by their employer to fill out a W-4 form, which is used to assess how much tax to withhold from the employee’s wages. Withholding depends on the employee’s circumstances, including whether they have dependents and what their tax-filing status is, among other things. Employees who do not fill out a W-4 will be taxed as if they were single.

Employees won’t be asked to complete a W-4 form again unless they switch employers. But you should take the initiative to update your W-4 if your tax circumstances change, such as you get married, have a child, get divorced, or receive taxable income not subject to withholding, such as earning money from a contract or freelance job.

Each allowance an employee claims on their W-4 will minimize withholding throughout the year. An employee can also request additional amounts be withheld from their paycheck. When taxes are filed, the goal for employees is to avoid a tax bill or a large refund, both of which can indicate that your tax payments during the year were off the mark.

While “tax time” is in April each year, taxes are essentially pay-as-you-go, according to the IRS. That means that, in an ideal world, April shouldn’t bring a large tax bill or a large refund. Worth noting:

•   For a single person who has only one employer, filling out a W-4 should be relatively straightforward.

•   Those with multiple income streams, including rental income, investment income, or income from side gigs, may need to take some time and thought when completing their W-4 to ensure they’re withholding an appropriate amount, as well as paying quarterly estimated taxes, if necessary.

How do you know that your W-4 is accurate? You can assess that based on the refund or bill you receive at tax time. While a refund can feel like a windfall — and people often earmark it to pay off bills or fund a vacation, home improvement project, or other big-ticket purchase — the money represents an overpayment to the IRS.

While getting a big check can be exciting, it may make more sense to have that money available for budgeting purposes throughout the year. Or you could be putting it into a high-yield savings account. Similarly, a large tax bill can throw your budget off track and may subject you to penalties from the IRS for not having enough taxes withheld from your paycheck or not paying quarterly taxes.

Recommended: What Are the Different Kinds of Taxes?

Are You an Employer?

If you pay someone wages of $600 or more in a calendar year, even if that person is a relative, you’re technically an employer in the eyes of the IRS. This means that a person who employs a regular babysitter or housecleaner may need to withhold and pay certain taxes, including Medicare, federal unemployment, and social security.

This is an example of paying someone “on the books” and can be protection against fines and penalties that may come from paying an employee “under the table” or “off the books.” Having a clear understanding of what forms need to be filled out and what steps you need to take as an employer can help avoid a potentially complicated tax situation down the line.

It’s also important to issue W-2s in a timely manner. This helps your employees avoid the stress and potential penalties which can happen if you miss a tax deadline.

Having Your Paperwork in Order

Because things can change from year to year, it can be a good idea for an employee to regularly check their withholding on their W-4 annually. Another wise move is to make sure a new one is filed if there is a life change (as mentioned above), such as having a baby or getting married.

Workers should also keep an eye out for tax-related paperwork, since taxes are due regardless of whether paperwork has made its way to an employee’s mailbox. Missing tax forms can throw a wrench in the most organized person’s plans.

Checking in with an HR department can help make sure nothing falls through the cracks. Having paperwork ready and available can make filing taxes as seamless as possible when the time comes. This may also help you maximize your time if you work with a tax prep professional.

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Tips for Filling Out a W-2

If you’re an employee, you don’t need to do anything to your W-2 beyond checking that the information on it is correct.

If, however, you are an employer, you may fill the form out W-2s yourself, via a tax preparer, or by using payroll software to automate this task. You will be responsible for adding your company’s details properly, as well as information specific to each employee. For instance, when reporting an employee’s compensation, you would include only the amount that is subject to federal taxation. You would not include things like contributions to a pre-tax retirement plan, health-insurance costs, or similar benefits.

The Takeaway

While tax time may be met with eye-rolling and stress, it can also be a moment to set up financial intentions and systems for the year. This can include submitting a new W-4 to your employer, estimating quarterly taxes, and developing a strategy to ensure that your money works for you in the year ahead. Keeping on top of your finances throughout the year can make tax time more manageable, as can visiting the SoFi Tax Center for more tips.

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FAQ

What happens if the W-2 that I received is wrong?

If you believe your W-2 is incorrect, contact your employer to discuss. They may be able to explain why you sense a discrepancy and, if necessary, reissue the document. If you cannot resolve things quickly and satisfactorily with your employer and believe there’s false information circulating, you may want to reach out directly to the IRS, which can be contacted at its toll-free number, 800-829-1040, or at Taxpayer Assistance Centers.

How much money do I need to make in order to get a W-2?

If you are an employee who earned $600 or more in a given year, you should receive a W-2, which is usually sent out by January 31st of the following year.

What is the difference between a 1099 and a W-2?

A W-2 is a form that shares information about an employee’s earnings and withholding. A 1099-NEC is a form that independent contractors may receive. Workers who get 1099 forms are responsible for paying their own employment taxes, unlike W-2 employees.

What should I do if I have not received my W-2 yet?

January 31st is the day by which W-2s must be sent out for the previous tax year. If you haven’t received yours by that date and the form was mailed, you may want to give it another couple of days to allow for it to arrive. Other steps to deal with this situation include checking online to see if you have a downloadable version and contacting your employer to see what the status is. If it’s late February and you still don’t have it, it can be wise to contact the IRS directly for guidance. You might be able to use an IRS Form 4852 as a substitute for a W-2, for example.


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SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits can earn 4.60% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Qualifying Deposits means one or more deposits that, in the aggregate, are equal to or greater than $5,000 to an account holder’s SoFi Checking and Savings account (“Qualifying Deposits”) during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Qualifying Deposits only include those deposits from the following eligible sources: (i) ACH transfers, (ii) inbound wire transfers, (iii) peer-to-peer transfers (i.e., external transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc. and internal peer-to-peer transfers from a SoFi account belonging to another account holder), (iv) check deposits, (v) instant funding to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, (vi) push payments to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, and (vii) cash deposits. Qualifying Deposits do not include: (i) transfers between an account holder’s Checking account, Savings account, and/or Vaults; (ii) interest payments; (iii) bonuses issued by SoFi Bank or its affiliates; or (iv) credits, reversals, and refunds from SoFi Bank, N.A. (“SoFi Bank”) or from a merchant.

SoFi Bank shall, in its sole discretion, assess each account holder’s Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits throughout each 30-Day Evaluation Period to determine the applicability of rates and may request additional documentation for verification of eligibility. The 30-Day Evaluation Period refers to the “Start Date” and “End Date” set forth on the APY Details page of your account, which comprises a period of 30 calendar days (the “30-Day Evaluation Period”). You can access the APY Details page at any time by logging into your SoFi account on the SoFi mobile app or SoFi website and selecting either (i) Banking > Savings > Current APY or (ii) Banking > Checking > Current APY. Upon receiving a Direct Deposit or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits to your account, you will begin earning 4.60% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% on checking balances on or before the following calendar day. You will continue to earn these APYs for (i) the remainder of the current 30-Day Evaluation Period and through the end of the subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period and (ii) any following 30-day Evaluation Periods during which SoFi Bank determines you to have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits without interruption.

SoFi Bank reserves the right to grant a grace period to account holders following a change in Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits activity before adjusting rates. If SoFi Bank grants you a grace period, the dates for such grace period will be reflected on the APY Details page of your account. If SoFi Bank determines that you did not have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits during the current 30-day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, then you will begin earning the rates earned by account holders without either Direct Deposit or Qualifying Deposits until you have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits in a subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period. For the avoidance of doubt, an account holder with both Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits will earn the rates earned by account holders with Direct Deposit.

Members without either Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits, as determined by SoFi Bank, during a 30-Day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, will earn 1.20% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances.

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Tax Information: This article provides general background information only and is not intended to serve as legal or tax advice or as a substitute for legal counsel. You should consult your own attorney and/or tax advisor if you have a question requiring legal or tax advice.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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What Is IRS Form 1099?

The IRS Form 1099 can be an important part of filing annual income taxes for some earners, such as freelancers, independent contractors, some retirees, and income-earning stock investors. The 1099 form captures information about income earned from a non-employer source or salary. It can be filed by either a company or individual who paid the recipient of the form.

But these documents can at times get confusing because of the multiple varieties of 1099s. These can include 1099-MISC, 1099-DIV, 1099-INT, and more. Each shows a different sort of financial transaction that occurred in a given tax year.

To get help understanding these critical tax documents, read on. While by no means comprehensive, you’ll learn how IRS 1099 forms work in general, including:

•   What is IRS Form 1099?

•   What are the different kinds of 1099s?

•   Who gets a 1099?

•   How do you calculate your tax deductions?

What Does IRS 1099 Form Document?

IRS Form 1099 reports income earned from self-employment, interest, dividends, and other sources. 1099 recipients can get the IRS form from the company, state, individual, or organization that paid them potentially taxable income.

Since this document can contain information about possibly taxable income (pre-deductions), it’s worth holding on to all 1099s received — whether printed or sent electronically. IRS 1099 forms can be helpful when filing both state and federal income taxes. Knowing how to read these forms can play a key role in understanding your taxes.

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Who Gets a 1099?

Should you expect a 1099? Well, it depends. If you do any work as a freelancer or an independent contractor, then it’s likely that you will receive one for pretax, non-employee compensation.

More specifically, the answer is yes if you’ve received at least:

•   $600 in business rental income

•   $600 for services from a person or business that is not your employer

•   $600 in prizes or awards

•   Other non-employee income — including $10 or more in royalty income, $600 of business attorney fees, or $5,000 in direct sales.

Another common reason you may receive an IRS Form 1099 is investment income. If you own bonds, dividend-paying stocks, or mutual funds that produce income, it’s likely that you’ll receive a 1099 that outlines the income for which you’ll be liable. Even if you reinvest those dividends immediately, you’ll have to pay income tax on dividends that have been paid out.

Like an IRS W-2 form, a 1099 reflects your income for a given year. But a W-2 reflects income from wages or a salary, which come to you with the taxes already having been deducted. A 1099 shows gross, or raw, income that has yet to be taxed. Some (but not all) recipients may qualify for further tax deductions on the income listed on the 1099 form.

Different Types of 1099 Forms

What is a Form 1099? As briefly mentioned above, there are multiple types of 1099s, reflecting different kinds of money that you may receive in a given year. Some might show active income, such as money you earned as a freelancer or by starting a side hustle. Others might capture passive income, money that’s earned on, say, renting a second home as an Airbnb. You might also have received funds that are interest earned on your stock portfolio.

Whether you’re filing taxes for the first time or have been doing so for years, keep reading to learn a bit more about these different forms.

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1099 Forms for Earned Income

Here are some of the 1099 forms you may receive as you prepare for tax season, reflecting income earned as a non-employee in the previous year:

•   1099-NEC: The IRS implemented this form in 2020 for non-employee compensation (hence the initials NEC). It is replacing the 1099-MISC for many non-employee workers. It is what you may receive if you freelanced for clients, are a self-employed contractor, or if you have a side gig of some sort.

•   1099-K: This form currently works as a way of tracking income for those who received $20,000 in income from at least 200 transactions via, say, PayPal, eBay, or a credit card. In future years, the IRS plans to have 1099-Ks issued for those who take in more than $600 in these ways.

1099 Forms for Passive Income

What’s a 1099 for passive income? First, you need to know that passive income is money you earn from such endeavors as a limited partnership, a rental property, or another enterprise that doesn’t require active participation.

The 1099 forms you may receive to show earnings of this kind include:

•   1099-MISC: In the past, independent contractors and freelancers would receive this from those who have paid them at least $600. Now, that kind of income, which is subject to self-employment tax, is shared via a 1099-NEC (see below). The 1099-MISC has shifted to show income that is not subject to self-employment taxes, such as rent or prize money.

1099 Forms for Portfolio Income

Next, explore what is a 1099 form for portfolio income. Some people would say that your investment portfolio’s gains are a kind of passive income since you aren’t actively working to make the money; others would disagree.

That noted, here you’ll learn about 1099 forms for portfolio income as a separate entity from passive earnings such as earning money on a rental property you own.

The 1099-DIV and 1099-INT are perhaps the most pertinent types of 1099s for anyone who invests. It’s important to note that anyone who takes in more than $1,500 in interest or dividends during a given year will also have to file a Schedule B as part of their tax return.

Investment dividends and interest are both considered income and are taxed at your income tax rate. At the same time, capital gains made on short-term investments may also be taxed at your income tax rate.

It’s important to factor in any returns you’ve made on investments held for less than a year when tallying your tax return at the end of the year.

The 1099-DIV and 1099-INT are perhaps the most pertinent types of 1099s for anyone who invests.

Next, a closer look at the 1099s that are used to show earnings:

•   1099-B: Are you an income-earning investor? If you trade or barter securities, this form is the official record of the income you received on those trades, and it’s usually filed by the broker or clearing firm. This form can help you manage capital gains and losses on your income tax return.

•   1099-DIV: Annual dividends and distributions from any type of investment will show up on this form.

•   1099-INT: This reports interest income. It usually comes from a financial institution for interest income from a CD or savings account, as well as from Treasury bills and U.S. Savings Bonds.

•   1099-R is used to report distributions you may receive from retirement plans, IRAs, profit-sharing plans, annuities, and the like.

Other 1099 Forms You May Receive

In addition to the 1099 forms already noted, there are several more you may well encounter. These include:

•   1099-A: You’ll receive this form if your mortgage lender canceled some or all of your mortgage, usually because of a foreclosure.

•   1099-C: Debt forgiveness is considered income, and 1099-C tracks that income. (There’s an IRS Form 982 which, in certain circumstances, may allow you to exclude this income from your return.)

•   1099-G: If you received unemployment benefits or any other money from a state, local, or federal government, such as a tax refund or credit, you may receive one of these.

•   1099-S: Income earned on real estate transactions will be reflected in this form.

•   SSA-1099: This reflects the Social Security payments you’ve received in the past year.

Recommended: What Triggers an IRS Audit?

Tabulating Tax Deductions for the Year

While wage and salary income are usually taxed before being disbursed to employees, other types of income usually aren’t. But that fact doesn’t mean 1099 recipients necessarily owe taxes on all of the income listed on the IRS 1099 form.

For instance, freelancers and independent contractors generally can, or must, pay estimated quarterly taxes to avoid a big tax bill each year. In these cases, they may even receive a tax return on their 1099-reported income (assuming overpayment).

At the same time, some 1099 recipients could have deductions that offset the income. Simply put, deductions reduce tax liability by lowering one’s taxable income for a given year. The standard deduction for tax year 2023 for a single person is $13,850 and, for joint filers, is $27,700. But itemized deductions might include:

•   Student loan interest

•   Mortgage interest

•   Qualifying charitable donations

•   Medical expenses (for those who itemize deductions).

If you’re a freelancer or independent contractor, you may be able to deduct a wide range of business-related expenses — including a home office, supplies, travel, and client dinners.

Regardless of which deductions you claim, it’s important to invest time and thought on your tax return, perhaps using tax software or consulting with a tax professional, to make sure you’re neither overpaying nor underpaying your taxes. And also, of course, to make sure you aren’t missing the tax-filing deadline.

One more tip on getting organized: It can also be wise to check this year’s forms against the documents you received the previous year, to make sure you aren’t missing any tax forms.

For additional specifics on this tax filing season, 1099 recipients may want to check out IRS Filing and Payment Deadlines Questions and Answers page or contact the IRS at 800-809-1040 toll-free for help.

Tips for Filling Out a Form 1099

If you receive a 1099, you don’t need to fill it out in any way; you just need to account for it when filing your tax return.
If, however, you are the person responsible for filling it out, keep these tips in mind:

•   The payer information is where the name, address, taxpayer identification number (TIN), and other details about the issuing entity are added.

•   The recipient information is where you’ll fill in the specifics about the person who will receive the form. This is typically their name, address, and TIN, which may be a TIN, EIN, or Social Security number (SSN).

•   Carefully fill out such applicable areas as non-employee compensation and federal and state income tax withheld when completing 1099-NEC forms.

Recommended: How to File for a Tax Extension

The Takeaway

IRS Form 1099 documents income earned from non-employer sources and can be used when filing and calculating one’s annual tax liability. It’s commonly sent to freelancers, independent contractors, investors, Social Security recipients, and those whose forgiven debts count as taxable income.

While thinking about your taxes, you may want to consider whether your banking partner is helping you keep your funds well organized.

Interested in opening an online bank account? When you sign up for a SoFi Checking and Savings account with direct deposit, you’ll get a competitive annual percentage yield (APY), pay zero account fees, and enjoy an array of rewards, such as access to the Allpoint Network of 55,000+ fee-free ATMs globally. Qualifying accounts can even access their paycheck up to two days early.

Better banking is here with SoFi, NerdWallet’s 2024 winner for Best Checking Account Overall. Enjoy up to 4.60% APY on SoFi Checking and Savings.

FAQ

What should I do if I do not get all of my 1099 forms?

If you don’t receive your 1099 forms by January 31st, which is the date they should be issued by, you might wait a couple of days to see if they arrive by mail. If not, reach out to the issuer to request your form; perhaps it can be downloaded quickly. If it is February 15th and you still don’t have the form, you can try to get the information you need from other sources (such as a bank statement) or else call the IRS helpline at 800-829-1040. Some services, such as TurboTax, may allow you to account for a missing 1099 while using their software.

What should I do if I make an error on a 1099 form?

If you receive an incorrect 1099 and inform the issuer, they can create and file a corrected version, which means both you and the IRS will have the updated document. If you are the issuer, it’s your responsibility to rectify the error and re-issue the form.

Is a 1099 the same as a W-2?

A W-2 is a form issued to employees to show their earnings and the taxes withheld. On the other hand, 1099s track financial transactions during a tax year, such as non-employee earnings, interest and dividends, rental income, and more. These transactions may be taxable events and have implications as you file your annual tax return.


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SoFi members with direct deposit activity can earn 4.60% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Direct Deposit means a deposit to an account holder’s SoFi Checking or Savings account, including payroll, pension, or government payments (e.g., Social Security), made by the account holder’s employer, payroll or benefits provider or government agency (“Direct Deposit”) via the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) Network during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Deposits that are not from an employer or government agency, including but not limited to check deposits, peer-to-peer transfers (e.g., transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc.), merchant transactions (e.g., transactions from PayPal, Stripe, Square, etc.), and bank ACH funds transfers and wire transfers from external accounts, do not constitute Direct Deposit activity. There is no minimum Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate.

SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits can earn 4.60% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Qualifying Deposits means one or more deposits that, in the aggregate, are equal to or greater than $5,000 to an account holder’s SoFi Checking and Savings account (“Qualifying Deposits”) during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Qualifying Deposits only include those deposits from the following eligible sources: (i) ACH transfers, (ii) inbound wire transfers, (iii) peer-to-peer transfers (i.e., external transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc. and internal peer-to-peer transfers from a SoFi account belonging to another account holder), (iv) check deposits, (v) instant funding to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, (vi) push payments to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, and (vii) cash deposits. Qualifying Deposits do not include: (i) transfers between an account holder’s Checking account, Savings account, and/or Vaults; (ii) interest payments; (iii) bonuses issued by SoFi Bank or its affiliates; or (iv) credits, reversals, and refunds from SoFi Bank, N.A. (“SoFi Bank”) or from a merchant.

SoFi Bank shall, in its sole discretion, assess each account holder’s Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits throughout each 30-Day Evaluation Period to determine the applicability of rates and may request additional documentation for verification of eligibility. The 30-Day Evaluation Period refers to the “Start Date” and “End Date” set forth on the APY Details page of your account, which comprises a period of 30 calendar days (the “30-Day Evaluation Period”). You can access the APY Details page at any time by logging into your SoFi account on the SoFi mobile app or SoFi website and selecting either (i) Banking > Savings > Current APY or (ii) Banking > Checking > Current APY. Upon receiving a Direct Deposit or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits to your account, you will begin earning 4.60% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% on checking balances on or before the following calendar day. You will continue to earn these APYs for (i) the remainder of the current 30-Day Evaluation Period and through the end of the subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period and (ii) any following 30-day Evaluation Periods during which SoFi Bank determines you to have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits without interruption.

SoFi Bank reserves the right to grant a grace period to account holders following a change in Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits activity before adjusting rates. If SoFi Bank grants you a grace period, the dates for such grace period will be reflected on the APY Details page of your account. If SoFi Bank determines that you did not have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits during the current 30-day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, then you will begin earning the rates earned by account holders without either Direct Deposit or Qualifying Deposits until you have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits in a subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period. For the avoidance of doubt, an account holder with both Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits will earn the rates earned by account holders with Direct Deposit.

Members without either Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits, as determined by SoFi Bank, during a 30-Day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, will earn 1.20% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances.

Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 10/24/2023. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.


Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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Tax Information: This article provides general background information only and is not intended to serve as legal or tax advice or as a substitute for legal counsel. You should consult your own attorney and/or tax advisor if you have a question requiring legal or tax advice.

External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.

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I Make $50,000 a Year, How Much House Can I Afford?

On a salary of $50,000 per year, you can afford a house priced at around $128,000 with a monthly payment of $1,200 — that is, as long as you have relatively little debt already on your plate. However, not everyone earning $50,000 will see this number in response to a loan application. There are many more factors besides income and debt to take into account, such as:

•   Your down payment

•   The cost of taxes and insurance for the home you want

•   The interest rate

•   The type of loan you’re applying for

•   Your lender’s tolerance for debt levels

Each of these factors affects how much home you can afford on any salary, including one at $50,000.

What Kind of House Can I Afford With $50K a Year?

$50,000 is a solid salary, but there’s no denying today’s real estate market is tough. You’ll need to know the full picture of home affordability to get you into the house you want, starting with your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio.

First-time homebuyers can
prequalify for a SoFi mortgage loan,
with as little as 3% down.


Understanding Debt-to-income Ratio

Your DTI ratio may be one of your biggest challenges to home affordability. Each debt that you have a monthly payment for takes away from what you could be paying on a mortgage, lowering the mortgage amount that you can qualify for.

To calculate your DTI ratio, combine your monthly debt payments such as credit card debts, student loan payments, and car payments and then divide the total by your monthly income. This will give you a percentage (or ratio) of how much you’re spending on debt each month. Lenders look for 36% or less for most home mortgage loans.

For example, on a $50,000 annual salary and a $4,166 monthly income, your maximum DTI ratio of 36% would be $1,500. This is the maximum amount of debt lenders want to see on a $50,000 salary.


💡 Quick Tip: Lowering your monthly payments with a mortgage refinance from SoFi can help you find money to pay down other debt, build your rainy-day fund, or put more into your 401(k).

How to Factor in Your Down Payment

A down payment increases how much home you’ll be able to qualify for. The more you’re able to put down, the more home you’ll be able to afford. Borrowers who put down more than 20% also avoid having to buy mortgage insurance. When you don’t have to pay mortgage insurance every month, you can qualify for a higher mortgage — but you do need to consider if putting down 20% is worth it to you. A mortgage calculator can help you see how much your down payment affects the mortgage you can qualify for.

Factors That Affect Home Affordability

In addition to the debt-to-income ratio and down payment, there are a handful of other variables that affect home affordability. These are:

•   Interest rates When your interest rate is lower, you’ll either have a lower monthly mortgage payment or qualify for a higher mortgage. With higher interest rates, you’ll have a higher monthly mortgage payment and/or qualify for a lower home purchase amount.

•   Credit history and score Your credit score affects what interest rate you’ll be able to get, which is a huge factor in determining your monthly mortgage payment and home affordability.

•   Taxes and insurance Higher taxes, insurance, or homeowners association dues can bite into your house budget. Each of these factors has to be accounted for by your lender.

•   Loan type Different loan types have varying interest rates, down payments, credit requirements, and mortgage insurance requirements which can affect how much house you can afford.

•   Lender You may be able to find a lender that allows for a DTI ratio that is higher than the standard 36%. (Some lenders allow a DTI as high as 50%.)

•   Location Where you buy affects how much house you can afford. This is one area that you can’t control, unless you move. If you are considering this option, take a look at the best affordable places to live in the U.S.

Recommended: The Cost of Living by State

How to Afford More House With Down Payment Assistance

If you want to be able to afford a more costly house, you may want to look into a down payment assistance (DPA) program. These programs can help you with funding for a down payment on a mortgage. You can look for DPA programs with your state or local housing authority. Preference may be given to first-time homebuyers or lower-income families, but there are programs available for a wide variety of situations and incomes.

How to Calculate How Much House You Can Afford

If you want to know how much mortgage you’ll likely be able to qualify for, you’ll want to take a look at these guidelines.

The 28/36 Rule: Lenders look for home payments to be at or below 28% of your income. Total debt payments should be less than 36% of your income. These are the front-end and back-end ratios you may hear your mortgage lender talking about.

Front-end ratio (28%): At 28% or your income, a monthly housing payment from a monthly income of $4,166 should be no more than $1,166.

Back-end ratio (36%): To calculate the back-end, or debt-to-income ratio, add your debt together and divide it by your income. This includes the new mortgage payment. With monthly income at $4,166, your debts should be no more than $1,500 ($4,166*.36).

The 35/45 Rule: The 35/45 rule is a higher debt level your lender can elect to follow. It’s riskier for them and may come at a higher interest rate for you. This rule allows you housing payment to be 35% of your monthly income and 45% of your total debt-to-income ratio. With a monthly income of $4,166, the housing allowance (35% of your income) increases to $1,458 and the total monthly debt (45% of your income) increases to $1,875.

An easier way to calculate how much home you can afford is with a home affordability calculator.

Home Affordability Examples

Making $50,000 a year gives you around $4,166 to work with each month. Using the 36% debt-to-income ratio, you can have a maximum debt payments of $1,500 ($4,166 * .36). In the examples below, taxes ($2,500), insurance ($1,000), and interest rate (6%) remain the same for a 30-year loan term.

Example #1: High-debt Borrower
Monthly credit card debt: $200
Monthly car payment: $400
Student loan payment: $200
Total debt = $800

Down payment = $20,000

Maximum DTI ratio = $4,166 * .36 = $1,500
Maximum mortgage payment = $700 ($1,500 – $800)

Home budget = $88,107

Example #2: The Super Saver
Monthly credit card debt: $0
Monthly car payment: $200
Student loan payment: $0
Total debt = $200

Down payment: $20,000

Maximum DTI ratio = $4,166 * .36 = $1,500
Maximum mortgage payment = $1,300 ($1,500 – $200)

Home budget = $171,925

Recommended: Tips to Qualify for a Mortgage

How Your Monthly Payment Affects Your Price Range

Your monthly payment directly affects the mortgage you’re able to qualify for. The more monthly debts you have, the lower the mortgage you’ll be able to qualify for. That’s why it’s so important to take care of debts as soon as you can.

That’s also why it’s important to get the best interest rate you can. Shopping around for lenders and improving your credit score can both save you money and improve home affordability. A home loan help center is a good place to start the process of looking for a mortgage.

Types of Home Loans Available to $50K Households

How much home you can afford also comes down to the different types of mortgage loans. Here are some common options:

•   FHA loans If your credit isn’t ideal, you may be able to secure a Federal Housing Administration mortgage. Though FHA loans are costlier, you can still be considered with a credit score as low as 500. FHA mortgage insurance, however, makes them more expensive than their alternatives.

•   USDA loans If you’re in a rural area that is covered by United States Department of Agriculture loans, you’ll want to consider whether the low interest, no-down-loan will make sense for you.

•   Conventional loans Conventional financing offers the most competitive interest rates and terms for mortgage applicants who qualify.

•   VA loans If you have the option of financing with a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs loan, with few exceptions, you’ll generally want to take it. It offers some of the most competitive rates, even for zero-down-payment loans. It also comes with no minimum credit score requirement, though the final say on whether or not you can get a loan with a low credit score is up to the individual lender.


💡 Quick Tip: Don’t have a lot of cash on hand for a down payment? The minimum down payment for an FHA mortgage loan is as low as 3.5%.1

The Takeaway

Your $50,000 salary is the first step in qualifying for the home mortgage loan you need to buy a house. To position yourself for the best possible borrowing scenario, consider paying down debt, working on your credit score, applying for down payment assistance, adding a co-borrower, or some combination of the above. With these moves, home affordability improves a great deal.

Looking for an affordable option for a home mortgage loan? SoFi can help: We offer low down payments (as little as 3% - 5%*) with our competitive and flexible home mortgage loans. Plus, applying is extra convenient: It's online, with access to one-on-one help.

SoFi Mortgages: simple, smart, and so affordable.

FAQ

Is $50K a good salary for a single person?

A $50,000 salary is good in terms of covering the cost of living in many parts of the U.S. and with proper budgeting it can even put you on the path to affording to purchase your own home.

What is a comfortable income for a single person?

A comfortable income for a single person could be at or above the median income for a single person, which is $56,929 according to data from the U.S. Census.

What is a liveable wage in 2024?

Your living wage depends on your local region, number of working household members, and children. For a single person living in Arizona, the average living wage is about $37,000. If the same person moved to California, an average of more than $44,000 would be needed, according to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Living Wage Calculator.

What salary is considered rich for a single person?

A salary of $234,342 would put you in the top 5% of wage earners in the United States.


Photo credit: iStock/Tirachard

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.


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Terms, conditions, and state restrictions apply. Not all products are available in all states. See SoFi.com/eligibility for more information.


*SoFi requires Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) for conforming home loans with a loan-to-value (LTV) ratio greater than 80%. As little as 3% down payments are for qualifying first-time homebuyers only. 5% minimum applies to other borrowers. Other loan types may require different fees or insurance (e.g., VA funding fee, FHA Mortgage Insurance Premiums, etc.). Loan requirements may vary depending on your down payment amount, and minimum down payment varies by loan type.

¹FHA loans are subject to unique terms and conditions established by FHA and SoFi. Ask your SoFi loan officer for details about eligibility, documentation, and other requirements. FHA loans require an Upfront Mortgage Insurance Premium (UFMIP), which may be financed or paid at closing, in addition to monthly Mortgage Insurance Premiums (MIP). Maximum loan amounts vary by county. The minimum FHA mortgage down payment is 3.5% for those who qualify financially for a primary purchase. SoFi is not affiliated with any government agency.
Veterans, Service members, and members of the National Guard or Reserve may be eligible for a loan guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. VA loans are subject to unique terms and conditions established by VA and SoFi. Ask your SoFi loan officer for details about eligibility, documentation, and other requirements. VA loans typically require a one-time funding fee except as may be exempted by VA guidelines. The fee may be financed or paid at closing. The amount of the fee depends on the type of loan, the total amount of the loan, and, depending on loan type, prior use of VA eligibility and down payment amount. The VA funding fee is typically non-refundable. SoFi is not affiliated with any government agency.
Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

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I Make $36,000 a Year, How Much House Can I Afford?

On a salary of $36,000 per year, you can afford a house priced around $100,000-$110,000 with a monthly payment of just over $1,000. This assumes you have no other debts you’re paying off, but also that you haven’t been able to save much for a down payment.

Of course, you’ll want to talk to a lender for your individual situation, which could qualify you for more (or less). If it sounds overwhelming, don’t worry. We’ll walk you through what it takes to qualify for a home, no matter what your income level is.

What Kind of House Can I Afford With $36K a Year?

At a $36,000 annual income, you may need some help affording a home in today’s market. You’ll need to eliminate debt and make sure you have a good credit score, as well as find programs and lenders that can help. In addition to income and debt, your lender will take into account:

•   Your down payment savings

•   What taxes and insurance will cost

•   What interest rate you qualify for

•   The type of loan you’re applying for

•   Whether or not they can let your debt run up to 50% of your income

First-time homebuyers can
prequalify for a SoFi mortgage loan,
with as little as 3% down.


Understanding Debt-to-income Ratio

Beyond interest rates, debt is your biggest enemy to home affordability. The more debt you have to pay on a monthly basis, the less you’re able to pay toward a mortgage. In other words, your $200 monthly credit card payment could cost you thousands on the purchase price of a home.

To understand the debt-to-income ratio (DTI), add all of your debts together, and then divide that number by your monthly income. Your lender calculates your DTI ratio to determine how much you can afford as a monthly payment on a mortgage. The guideline is 36%, but some lenders can go higher on a home mortgage loan.


💡 Quick Tip: To see a house in person, particularly in a tight or expensive market, you may need to show the real estate agent proof that you’re preapproved for a mortgage. SoFi’s online application makes the process simple.

How to Factor in Your Down Payment

A down payment increases how much home you’ll be able to qualify for. The more you’re able to put down, the more home you’ll be able to afford.

You’ll also want to consider whether you can put down a deposit of more than 20% so you don’t have to buy mortgage insurance. This may help you qualify for a higher mortgage. Use a mortgage calculator to see how a down payment affects home affordability.

Factors That Affect Home Affordability

Home affordability goes beyond your down payment and DTI ratio. You also want to look at:

•   Interest rates When interest rates are high, borrowers qualify for a lower mortgage. When they’re low, it may be possible to qualify for a higher mortgage.

•   Credit history and score Your credit score is a reflection of your credit habits, and with a higher credit score, you’ll qualify for the best interest rates, giving you more buying power.

•   Taxes and insurance If you live in an area with higher taxes, insurance, or homeowners association dues, these will be taken into account by your lender. You’ll qualify for a lower mortgage amount when these numbers are high.

•   Loan type Depending on the type of loan you get, your interest rate, credit score, and down payment amount can affect how much house you can afford.

•   Lender Lenders have the final say when it comes to approving you for a mortgage. In special circumstances, you may be able to qualify for more than a 36% DTI ratio. Some lenders approve borrowers with a DTI ratio around 50%.

•   Location If you’re shopping in a state with a high cost of living, you’ll have a hard time qualifying for a mortgage no matter what your income level is. If you’re considering other areas, you may want to look at the best affordable places to live in the U.S.

How to Afford More House With Down Payment Assistance

Down payment assistance programs can help you qualify for a larger mortgage. These types of programs have money to help with down payment or closing costs. They are usually offered at the state or local level with both grant and second mortgage programs. They may limit participation to first-time homebuyers or borrowers with lower incomes, but you should still look into these programs and see if you can qualify.

Examples include CalHFA MyHome Assistance Program and the “Home Sweet Texas” Home Loan Program. You can look for programs in your own state, county, and city.

Recommended: Tips to Qualify for a Mortgage

How to Calculate How Much House You Can Afford

Knowing how much home you are likely to qualify for doesn’t have to be a mystery. While your lender may have flexibility, they generally follow these guidelines:

The 28/36 Rule: Lenders will look for housing payments (including mortgage, taxes, and insurance) to be more more than 28% of your income and total debt payments (including mortgage, car loan, student loan, etc.) to be less than 36% of your income.

The 35/45 Rule: Some lenders allow for higher debt levels. This rule says the housing payment can be up to 35% of your income and total debt to be 45%.

An easy way to calculate how much home you can afford is with a home affordability calculator.

Home Affordability Examples

On a $36,000 annual salary, you’ll have $3,000 each month for expenses. Using the 36% debt-to-income ratio, you can have a maximum debt payments of $1,080 ($3,000 * .36). In the two examples below, taxes ($2,500), insurance ($1,000), and interest (6%) are the same for a 30-year loan term.

Example #1: Debt limits home affordability, even with large down payment

Monthly credit card debt: $100
Monthly car payment: $500
Student loan payment: $100
Total debt = $700

Down payment = $20,000

Maximum DTI ratio = $3,000 * .36 = $1,080
Maximum mortgage payment = $380 ($1,080 – $700)

Home budget on $36,000 salary = $34,733

Example #2: No down payment, but little debt

Monthly credit card debt: $0
Monthly car payment: $0
Student loan payment: $100
Total debt = $100

Down payment: $0

Maximum DTI ratio = $3,000 * .36 = $1,080
Maximum mortgage payment = $980 ($1,080 – $100)

Home budget on $36,000 salary = $96,314

How Your Monthly Payment Affects Your Price Range

The amount you’re able to pay toward a mortgage each month determines how much home you’ll be able to afford. Any monthly payments you have, such as debt, can take away from how much you’re able to pay for a mortgage. Conversely, how much income you earn in a month can improve how much mortgage you can qualify for.

Interest rates also play a huge role in your monthly payment. Higher interest rates mean you’ll qualify for a lower mortgage while lower interest rates improve home affordability. That’s why homeowners get a mortgage refinance when interest rates drop.

Recommended: Home Loan Help Center

Types of Home Loans Available to $36K Households

The different types of mortgage loans also affect home affordability. Some have a zero down payment option, flexible credit requirements, less expensive mortgage insurance, and varying interest rates. You’ll want to consult with your lender to determine what loan type of right for you.

•   FHA loans: Loans backed by the Federal Housing Administration are great for buyers with unique credit situations that can’t get approved for conventional financing. It can be more expensive to go with an FHA loan, but there are low down payment options and flexible credit requirements for those with a score as low as 500.

•   USDA loans: United States Department of Agriculture mortgages, available in rural areas, offer great interest rates, zero down payment options, and competitive mortgage insurance rates. Some USDA mortgages are directly serviced by USDA, and have a subsidized interest rate.

•   Conventional loans: Many borrowers opt for conventional financing if they qualify. Over the course of a mortgage, this is one of the least expensive types due to competitive interest rates and mortgage insurance premiums that drop off after you pay down the loan past 80%.

•   VA loans: A loan from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is hard to beat for service members, veterans, and others who qualify. You may be able to qualify for a home purchase price with no down payment. VA loans may have great interest rates and flexible credit requirements (depending on the lender).


💡 Quick Tip: Active duty service members who have served for at least 90 consecutive days are eligible for a VA loan. But so are many veterans, surviving spouses, and National Guard and Reserves members. It’s worth exploring with an online VA loan application because the low interest rates and other advantages of this loan can’t be beat.†

The Takeaway

Purchasing a home on a $36,000 salary is a feat you’ll need help with in a market where the U.S. median sale price tops $342,000. Whether it’s down payment assistance, paying down debt, nurturing your credit score, or adding income, there are a lot of moves you can make to bolster your home budget. In the end, when you move into a place that’s all yours, the hard work will be worth it.

Looking for an affordable option for a home mortgage loan? SoFi can help: We offer low down payments (as little as 3% - 5%*) with our competitive and flexible home mortgage loans. Plus, applying is extra convenient: It's online, with access to one-on-one help.

SoFi Mortgages: simple, smart, and so affordable.

FAQ

Is $36K a good salary for a single person?

A single person can afford to live on $36,000 a year in more affordable places in the U.S., but it could still be difficult to afford to buy a home in today’s real estate market.

What is a comfortable income for a single person?

The median income for a single person is $56,929, according to data from the U.S. Census, but a comfortable income for a single person depends on your lifestyle.

What is a liveable wage in 2024?

What is livable varies greatly by location. For a single person living in San Francisco, a living wage is equivalent to $26.63 per hour. In other cities, it’s considerably less.

What salary is considered rich for a single person?

If you make more than $234,342 per year, you would make more than 95% of earners in the United States. But what feels “rich” is going to depend on your lifestyle and where you live.


Photo credit: iStock/mapodile

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*SoFi requires Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) for conforming home loans with a loan-to-value (LTV) ratio greater than 80%. As little as 3% down payments are for qualifying first-time homebuyers only. 5% minimum applies to other borrowers. Other loan types may require different fees or insurance (e.g., VA funding fee, FHA Mortgage Insurance Premiums, etc.). Loan requirements may vary depending on your down payment amount, and minimum down payment varies by loan type.

Veterans, Service members, and members of the National Guard or Reserve may be eligible for a loan guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. VA loans are subject to unique terms and conditions established by VA and SoFi. Ask your SoFi loan officer for details about eligibility, documentation, and other requirements. VA loans typically require a one-time funding fee except as may be exempted by VA guidelines. The fee may be financed or paid at closing. The amount of the fee depends on the type of loan, the total amount of the loan, and, depending on loan type, prior use of VA eligibility and down payment amount. The VA funding fee is typically non-refundable. SoFi is not affiliated with any government agency.
¹FHA loans are subject to unique terms and conditions established by FHA and SoFi. Ask your SoFi loan officer for details about eligibility, documentation, and other requirements. FHA loans require an Upfront Mortgage Insurance Premium (UFMIP), which may be financed or paid at closing, in addition to monthly Mortgage Insurance Premiums (MIP). Maximum loan amounts vary by county. The minimum FHA mortgage down payment is 3.5% for those who qualify financially for a primary purchase. SoFi is not affiliated with any government agency.
Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.

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