ATO & tax debt
Lenders that look beyond ATO debt when it's part of your structured payment arrangement and you're trading profitably. Specialist pathways exist.
The challenge
The banks don't always get it right
Self-employed borrowers, business owners and contractors are often penalised for the way they structure their finances. Tax-effective accounting reduces taxable income — and lenders read that as "you can't afford the loan." It's frustrating, and it's wrong.
Our approach is different. We dig into your real cashflow, your trading history and your business performance. We know which lenders will lend on alt-doc, low-doc and full-doc terms. And we know how to present your file so it doesn't fall into the "too hard" basket.
Common challenges
We've seen it all — and solved it
Short ABN history (12–24 months)
Even if you've only been trading 12 months, we can place you with lenders accepting industry-experience evidence and current trading performance — not just tax returns.
Income minimised for tax purposes
If your accountant has been doing their job, your taxable income is lower than your real earning capacity. Alt-doc and add-back-based assessments solve this.
Prior credit issues
Defaults, past arrears or other historical credit blemishes don't have to lock you out. Specialist lenders price risk differently and assess current trading positively.
Irregular or seasonal income
Trades, hospitality, agriculture and project-based incomes don't fit the PAYG payslip model. We use 2-year averaging and BAS-based assessments instead.
Three pathways
Full doc, alt doc or specialist — we'll find the right fit
Full doc lending
Standard self-employed application using 2 years of personal and business tax returns plus financial statements. Best rates and LVR (up to 95%) for established operators with clean tax history.
Alt doc lending
Reduced-documentation lending using BAS, accountant declaration, or business bank statements. Suits borrowers with strong cashflow but recent or minimised tax returns. Typically 80% LVR.
Specialist lending
For borrowers with short ABN history, ATO debt, credit issues, or other complications. Higher rates reflect higher risk — but a clear pathway to mainstream refinance within 12–24 months.
Beyond home loans
A full suite of finance solutions for business owners
Self-employed clients usually have needs beyond just a home loan. We coordinate across the full finance spectrum:
Home loans
Owner-occupier and investment home loans structured around real business income — not just tax-return income.
Commercial property
Buy the premises your business operates from. Often higher LVR and better rates than tenanted commercial.
SMSF property purchase
SMSF residential or commercial purchase, including business premises leaseback to build retirement wealth tax-effectively.
Business loans
Working capital, expansion finance and acquisition lending for the business itself. Secured and unsecured pathways.
Equipment & vehicle finance
Chattel mortgage, lease and hire purchase for tools, vehicles, plant and equipment. Generally tax-effective.
Refinance & consolidation
Consolidating expensive business debt into a single, tax-effective facility against either business or personal security.
Documentation
What we'll need from you
For full doc applications
Two years personal tax returns, two years business tax returns and financials, current trading statements, and ATO portal screenshots showing tax position. Identity documents.
For alt doc applications
Either four quarters of BAS plus accountant declaration, OR six months of business bank statements, OR last 12 months trading P&L signed by your accountant. ID documents.
For specialist applications
Whatever you've got. Specialist lenders flex on documentation when the deal structure makes sense. We'll guide you through exactly what each lender needs.
Industries we serve
We specialise in self-employed clients across all industries
Tradies & construction
Builders, electricians, plumbers, plasterers, carpenters and project-based subcontractors. Strong industry-specific lender appetite.
Medical & allied health
GPs, dentists, specialists, allied health practitioners. Often LMI-waiver pathways for medical professionals from major banks.
Professional services
Lawyers, accountants, consultants, engineers, architects. Strong income profiles, sometimes complex trust/company structures.
Property developers
Active developers — typically self-employed through corporate structures. Multi-property profiles and complex security positions.
Retail & hospitality
Café, restaurant, retail and franchise operators. Higher cashflow volatility makes lender selection critical.
Technology & creative
Freelance developers, designers, agencies and creators. Often contract-based income that requires careful documentation.
Transport & logistics
Owner-drivers, fleet operators, logistics businesses. Equipment finance plus property finance often run alongside each other.
Agriculture & primary producers
Farming, viticulture, primary production. Specialist rural and agribusiness lender pathways with appropriate seasonal income recognition.
How we work
Getting started is simpler than you think
01
Discovery call
Tell us about your business, your structure and your goals. We'll outline likely pathways and which documentation will get the best outcome.
02
Document review
We work with your accountant if needed, gather the right financials, and stress-test the file against lender policy before submission.
03
Lender match
We shortlist lenders most likely to approve on the right terms — and submit to the one with the strongest fit, not five at once.
04
Approval & settlement
We project-manage approval, valuation and settlement, and keep you informed at every step. No surprises, no chasing.
Client stories
Real outcomes for real clients
★★★★★
"The team made what felt like a daunting process completely manageable. We secured a rate the bank wouldn't touch directly and were in our first home eight weeks later."
★★★★★
"After years of being told no by the majors for our self-employed structure, MortgageHQ found a solution. Approval came within a fortnight and on competitive terms."
★★★★★
"We refinanced our commercial property and unlocked equity for a second purchase — they structured the whole deal across two lenders. Saved us hundreds of basis points."
Answers
Self-employed lending — frequently asked questions
How long do I need to have been self-employed to get a home loan?
Most mainstream lenders want 2 years' ABN history with 2 years' tax returns. We have lenders that will lend on 1 year ABN history with strong trading evidence, and specialist lenders that accept 6 months ABN history if you have prior industry experience as a PAYG employee in the same field.
Will my tax-minimised income count against me?
Often, yes — but we know how to navigate this. Alt-doc lending uses BAS or business bank statements rather than tax returns. We also know which lenders will add back specific non-cash deductions (depreciation, interest, owner's salary in some cases) to your taxable income for serviceability purposes.
What if I have ATO debt?
ATO debt is increasingly common and increasingly accepted by lenders. The key is that the debt is part of an agreed payment plan, you're current on the payments, and trading remains profitable. Some specialist lenders are comfortable with sizeable ATO arrears; we know who they are and how to present the file.
Can I borrow 95% as a self-employed borrower?
Yes, with strong full-doc applications. The lender shortlist tightens at 90%+ LVR, but it's available. At 80% LVR or below, the lender options open up significantly, including alt-doc and even some specialist pathways.
What's the difference between alt-doc and low-doc lending?
The terms are used interchangeably in market. Both refer to reduced-documentation pathways — typically using BAS, accountant declaration, or business bank statements instead of full tax returns. Specialist lending is a step beyond, where lenders flex further on documentation in exchange for higher pricing.
Do I need an accountant to apply?
Yes — for alt-doc and low-doc applications, an accountant declaration is generally required. For full-doc, your tax returns and financials need to be prepared by a registered tax agent. If you don't have an accountant, we can refer you to one from our trusted network.
Get in touch
Let's start the conversation
No obligation. Completely confidential. We'll respond within one business day to set up a no-pressure initial chat about your goals and the lending options available to you.
- Free initial consultation — no fees to talk
- Access to 60+ lender panel including major banks
- 25+ years of broker experience on every file
- We work with your accountant and advisers
Get in touch
Book a free consultation
Tell us a little about your situation and we'll be in touch within one business day. No obligation, completely confidential.
Ready for a smarter finance conversation?
Tell us about your situation — first home, refinance, commercial, SMSF or anything in between. We'll find the right structure across 60+ lenders. No obligation, completely confidential.