Joint income is not simple addition. Lenders verify each applicant separately, then combine verified figures and shared obligations once.
The trap is double counting. Transfers between partners look like income twice. Mark every inter-account transfer before totals are built.
Shared bills count once. Rent, utilities, and joint loans appear in both files. List them on one side with a note, not in both budgets.
Weakest file sets the pace. One applicant's overdrafts or gambling lines affect joint conduct scoring. Clean both files for three months.
Build a combined summary. Verified income A plus verified income B, shared obligations once, buffer after the stressed payment. Present it on page one.