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.
An example of how we help
Example scenario, for illustration
A sole trader whose last tax return looks lean
- The situation
- A self-employed electrician has run their business for three years. Last year's tax return shows a lower profit after large equipment write-offs, even though the business is busier than ever.
- How we'd approach it
- We'd ask their accountant for the figures lenders need, identify add-backs some lenders accept, such as depreciation and one-off costs, and compare lenders that look at the most recent year or accept BAS and bank statements.
- What it can mean
- Presented properly, the same income can be assessed quite differently from one lender to the next. We'd show the options side by side, including the trade-offs of an alt doc loan.
An illustrative example, not a real client. Every situation is different, and lenders make their own decisions.
What a client said
A real Google review, shown with the client's initials. Their situation may differ from the example above.
Get in touch to talk about your situation.
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.
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.
