To obtain proof of income, individuals can request a W-2 form from their employer, which summarizes annual earnings and tax withholdings. Tax returns, such as Form 1040, provide official documentation of income and deductions. Pay stubs with year-to-date earnings and bank statements reflecting regular deposits are also commonly accepted. For self-employed individuals, profit and loss statements or business tax returns (Form 1120-S or Schedule C) serve as proof. Financial institutions or government agencies may provide additional documentation, such as Social Security Administration statements or unemployment benefit records.

The methods listed above are standard because they offer verifiable, official records of earnings, ensuring accuracy for applications like loans, mortgages, or government assistance. For example, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) mandates tax returns for most federal aid programs, and 85% of lenders require tax documentation to assess creditworthiness, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (2022). A 2021 study by the National Association of Realtors found that 92% of mortgage applications rely on tax returns and W-2s to validate income. Additionally, the IRS reports that 90% of employers issue W-2 forms by January 31st, making them a reliable source. Bank statements and pay stubs are preferred by 78% of employers for short-term verification, as noted in a 2023 survey by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). These statistics underscore the importance of using standardized, legally recognized documents to avoid delays or denials in income verification processes.