Self-Employed

Applying for a loan when you’re self-employed can be more complex than for someone on a PAYG salary. This is largely because lenders assess income stability differently for business owners and contractors.

That said, many self-employed clients successfully secure home loans each year. If you’ve been operating your business or contracting for two years or more with a relatively consistent income, you may still present a strong application. Even with a shorter trading history, there may be lending options available depending on your circumstances and the lender involved.

Our role is to provide credit assistance by helping you understand how different lenders assess self-employed income and guiding you through the process clearly and efficiently.

What documents do I need to provide?

Documentation requirements vary between lenders and depend on how your business is structured and how income is assessed.

Standard documentation commonly requested by lenders may include:

  • Personal tax returns and ATO Notices of Assessment 
  • Business financial statements or business tax returns, depending on whether you operate as a sole trader, partnership, company or trust

In some situations, and subject to lender policy, alternative documentation may be considered to support an application, including:

  • Business Activity Statements (BAS) 
  • Business bank statements 
  • Accountant’s letters or income verification, where appropriate

Alternative documentation may be considered where tax returns are not yet available, income has changed, or additional support is required. Acceptance of alternative documents varies between lenders and is always subject to credit assessment.

We help you understand which documentation options may be suitable for your circumstances and guide you through the most appropriate approach based on the lenders being considered.

Page last updated: 08 March 2026

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