How much can your business actually borrow?

Your tax return hides your real cash flow. Banks add certain write-offs back before they decide. This tool does the same math — haircuts included — so you know your number before you apply.

Step 1What your business makes

Profit is what actually drives the lending amount. Revenue is a backup — if you don't know your profit, we'll estimate it, and revenue also keeps the line-of-credit number realistic.

Gross revenue · optional

Total sales for the year. Used to sanity-check the line of credit (~10% of revenue) and to estimate profit if you leave it blank below.

$/ year

Net profit

From your most recent business tax return (Schedule C line 31, 1120-S line 21, or 1065 line 22). Even if it's small or zero — that's the point. Leave blank to estimate from revenue.

$/ year

Step 2Add back the write-offs

These reduced your taxable profit, but banks credit them back as cash flow — at the same rates the bank uses, so the number holds up in the room.

Depreciation & amortization

Equipment, vehicles, property write-offs. Banks add it back but hold 50% aside for equipment upkeep — this tool does the same.

$/ year

Interest you paid on business debt

Interest on existing loans, lines, or credit cards. Credited back in full.

$/ year

Rent for your business location · optional

Mainly matters when the loan would replace your rent — like buying your building. Banks credit 70% of it back.

$/ year

One-time or discretionary expenses

Things you ran through the business that weren't true operating costs — a one-off purchase, personal items, unusually large expenses that won't repeat.

$/ year

Step 3What you already pay on debt

Total yearly payments (principal + interest) on existing business loans and lines. Enter 0 if none.

Existing annual debt payments

$/ year

Your real cash flow

After bank haircuts: 30% tax on profit · 50% of depreciation held for upkeep · rent credited at 70%

Banks want your cash flow to cover payments 1.25× over. That leaves room for about $0 per year in new loan payments.

What that supports

Estimates only — actual approvals also weigh collateral, credit history, time in business, and personal income. This tool shows the cash-flow math lenders start with, so you walk in knowing your number.