Abstract: An automated method and system estimates income of an individual loan applicant using credit bureau information and loan attributes. The method and system can use the credit bureau and loan information to calibrate an applicant's debt-burden in cases where such information is not readily available or is unverifiable. The method and system can automatically verify income for applicants who choose to state their income in lieu of providing adequate documentation. Further, the method and system can be applicable to any retail lending business including, but not limited to, mortgage, auto loan, and credit cards, where credit bureau information forms a part of the data collection process and is available along with applicant's information.