What Income Counts for Arizona DPA? 2026 Rules
Which income counts toward the Arizona DPA limit? How lenders calculate qualifying income for HOME Plus, from overtime to self-employment.
Arizona DPA eligibility is measured against the income your lender calculates during qualification — for HOME Plus, the borrowers' figure must come in at or under $155,386 (2026). Which paychecks, side gigs, and bonuses count is determined by standard mortgage underwriting rules, and the details can move a borderline buyer from "over the limit" to "qualified."
The 2026 Limit and Who It Applies To
Quick Answer: HOME Plus uses one flat limit — $155,386 of borrower income in all 15 Arizona counties — while PTHS in Pima County varies its limits by household size. Full county tables are in our income limits by county guide.
How the income is counted matters as much as the limit itself. Two households earning the same gross dollars can calculate differently depending on income type, history, and who is actually on the loan. For HOME Plus that part is settled: Arizona IDA measures borrower income, not household income, so only the people on the loan count. Other programs can differ, and your lender will confirm how each one measures it.
Income Types and How Underwriters Treat Them
| Income Type | How It's Typically Counted |
|---|---|
| Base salary / hourly | Current rate, verified with paystubs and W-2s |
| Overtime & bonus | Averaged, and only with a consistent history |
| Commission | Averaged over time; declining trends are scrutinized |
| Self-employment | Net income after expenses from tax returns, usually averaged |
| Second jobs | Counted with an established history |
| Rental income | Partially counted, with documentation |
| Child support / alimony | Can count if documented and continuing |
Two takeaways jump out of that table:
- Self-employed buyers are measured on net, not gross. A contractor grossing well into six figures may calculate far below the limit after legitimate business expenses.
- New overtime and new side hustles may not count yet. If your recent gross looks too high because of a temporary spike, the calculated figure may still qualify.
If You're Close to the Limit
Don't self-reject based on your gross pay. Instead:
- Get a real calculation. A licensed loan officer can compute your qualifying income in minutes from your documents.
- Mind the timing. Income is verified when you apply — a raise that hasn't hit yet isn't counted until it does.
- Consider who's on the loan. In some situations, structuring the application differently changes the calculated income. This is a conversation for your lender, not a DIY decision.
Then estimate what your assistance would be worth with the DPA calculator, and confirm the full picture in our complete Arizona DPA programs guide.
Documentation You'll Need
- Recent paystubs and last two years of W-2s
- Federal tax returns (especially if self-employed or commissioned)
- Award letters for fixed income sources
- Documentation for support income you want counted
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my spouse's income count if they're not on the loan?
Not for HOME Plus. Arizona IDA bases the limit on borrower income, not household income, so a spouse who isn't on the loan isn't counted toward the $155,386 limit. Other programs can work differently, and whether your spouse should be on the loan is a separate question to work through with your loan officer.
Does overtime count toward the Arizona DPA income limit?
Overtime counts when it has a consistent, documented history. A few months of new overtime typically does not count yet.
I'm self-employed — what number do lenders use?
Net income from your tax returns, generally averaged. Gross receipts are not the figure measured against the $155,386 limit.
What happens if my income rises after closing?
Nothing. Eligibility is measured at qualification. Raises, new jobs, or windfalls after closing do not affect your assistance or its forgiveness schedule.
Get Your Number Calculated
Tanner Cook (NMLS #2090424) and Zac Cook (NMLS #2111496) at Cornerstone First Mortgage (NMLS #173855) calculate qualifying income for Arizona DPA buyers every week. Take the quiz and find out where you actually stand.
Buying Somewhere in Arizona?
Answer three short questions about where in Arizona you're buying, your credit range and recent home ownership, and a licensed loan officer will follow up on which Arizona programs fit. You pick a credit range; no report is pulled.
Start the Arizona Quiz