Which of the following areas should never be inquired about in a loan application?

Inquiring about race, color, religion, and nationality in a loan application is considered discriminatory and is prohibited under fair housing and equal credit opportunity laws. These categories are protected under federal laws such as the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act. The intent behind these regulations is to ensure that all individuals have equal access to credit without being judged or declined based on factors unrelated to their creditworthiness or ability to pay.

In contrast, inquiries about income, profession, credit score, employment history, assets, liabilities, gender, age, and family situation can be relevant to evaluating a borrower's ability to repay a loan. While certain inquiries might raise ethical considerations, those concerning financial capability and responsibility are essential for lenders to make informed decisions about extending credit.