← All loan questions

Self-employed and ABN

Self-employed and ABN home loan questions

The question is how to evidence sustainable income, not simply how much passes through a business account. Start by separating turnover, business profit and income available to you, and make the business structure clear.

Prepared by NewGen Finance Brokers · Updated

How long do I need an ABN for a mortgage?

There is no universal ABN-history rule across lenders. Confirm trading-history and documentation requirements for the lender under consideration. A one-year financials option does not automatically mean a one-year-old business qualifies.

Further reading: ANZ: self-employed home loans

Do all lenders require two years of tax returns from business owners?

No. Documentation requirements differ. ANZ, for example, describes using one financial year of tax statements for most self-employed applications, with other eligibility conditions. One year of financials is not the same as only one year in business; your trading history and full circumstances still need checking.

Further reading: ANZ: self-employed home loans

Is business turnover the income a bank uses for my mortgage?

Turnover is business revenue before expenses; it is not the same as profit or personal income available for repayments. Prepare financial statements, tax information and business debt details so the broker can examine how income is evidenced. Avoid entering gross turnover as salary in a borrowing calculator.

Further reading: ANZ: self-employed home loans

What should an ABN contractor bring to a mortgage discussion?

Bring your current contracts, payment history, ABN and business structure details, tax records and existing debts. Explain whether you work for one client or several and whether a contract has an end date. The broker can then identify the income and continuity questions for the lender.

Further reading: About NewGen and its services

Should I disclose an ATO payment plan in a loan enquiry?

Yes. Tell your broker about tax debts and payment arrangements, including balances, scheduled payments and whether payments are up to date. Provide accurate records so the proposed borrowing can be assessed alongside existing commitments. An arrangement does not by itself establish loan eligibility.

Further reading: About NewGen and its services

Make the answer specific to you.

Share your goal and contact details. NewGen can discuss the next step for your circumstances.