Self-employed
Home loans for self-employed borrowers and business owners
How your income is presented can matter as much as how much you earn. We know which lenders look at add-backs, recent figures or bank statements, and we prepare your application alongside your accountant.
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Who this suits
- Sole traders, contractors and ABN holders
- Company directors paying themselves through the business
- Businesses with a strong most recent year
- ABN holders with less than two years of tax returns
How it works
- Understand your structureSole trader, partnership, company or trust: each is assessed differently.
- Work with your accountantWe identify add-backs lenders may accept, such as depreciation, one-off expenses and extra super contributions.
- Choose the documentation pathFull doc with two years of returns, one year with some lenders, or alt doc using BAS and bank statements.
- Apply with a clear storyA well-explained application avoids back-and-forth with the lender.
Things worth knowing
Lenders average your income differently
Some use the lower of your last two years, others your latest year. The lender choice can change your borrowing power a lot.
Alt doc loans exist, but cost more
Lower-documentation loans can work when your tax returns lag behind, but usually come with higher rates and lower maximum loan sizes.
Tax debts need to be disclosed early
Some lenders accept an ATO payment plan if it's in place and up to date.
Documents you'll usually need
- Two years of personal and business tax returns and financials (full doc)
- Or recent BAS, business bank statements and an accountant's letter (alt doc)
- ABN and GST registration details
- Photo ID
- Statements for existing debts
We'll confirm exactly what your lender needs, so you don't gather anything twice.
Calculators for this
Questions
Can I get a home loan with one year of tax returns?
Some lenders accept one year, often with conditions such as a longer time with your ABN or a larger deposit.
What is an alt doc loan?
A loan assessed on alternative evidence of income, such as BAS statements, business bank statements or an accountant's declaration, instead of full tax returns.
Do I need to involve my accountant?
It helps. We'll tell you exactly what to ask them for.
General information only. It doesn't consider your objectives, financial situation or needs. Lending criteria, fees and charges apply.
Ready when you are.
Book a 20-minute call. We'll listen first, explain your options in plain English, and tell you what we'd do next.