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Accountants may qualify for LMI waiver policies with some lenders, subject to professional membership, income, loan size and LVR. CPA, CA and IPA membership are commonly cited as eligibility criteria.

Quick Answer

Some lenders offer LMI waiver policies for accountants with CPA, CA or IPA membership, subject to income, LVR and loan size. Eligibility varies by lender and is not guaranteed.

What Lenders Look At For Accountant LMI Waivers

Professional membership — CPA, CA or IPA typically required

Income level — minimum income thresholds may apply

LVR — most waivers apply at 85–90% LVR

Employment type — PAYG vs partnership vs self-employed

Loan amount — maximum loan sizes vary by lender

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do self-employed accountants qualify for LMI waivers?

Eligibility for self-employed accountants varies. Some lenders require PAYG employment for their professional waiver policy.

No. Membership is typically a requirement, but income, LVR and loan size must also meet lender criteria.

CPA, CA And IPA: Which Memberships Qualify?

Different lenders recognise different accounting memberships. CPA Australia (CPA) and Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ) are the most widely recognised. The Institute of Public Accountants (IPA) is recognised by some but not all lenders.

What Lenders May Look At

Membership certificate — CPA, CA or IPA required

Income level — minimum threshold may apply

LVR — commonly 85–90% for eligible accountants

Loan amount cap — varies by lender

Employment type — PAYG vs self-employed (self-employed may not qualify with all lenders)

Property type — owner-occupied generally broader

Self-Employed Accountant LMI Waiver Challenges

Self-employed accountants face additional complexity. Some lenders require PAYG employment for their professional waiver policy — meaning a sole practitioner or practice owner may not qualify under the same criteria as an employed accountant, even with the same membership.

Common Mistakes Accountants Make

Assuming self-employed accountants qualify under the same waiver policy as PAYG accountants

Not having membership certificate ready at application

Not checking income thresholds before applying

Applying to a lender without a clear accountant LMI waiver policy

Do all accountants qualify for LMI waivers?

No. Eligibility depends on membership type, income, LVR and whether the lender recognises your specific membership.

Some lenders recognise IPA. Others only recognise CPA and CA. Policy varies.

Check Accountant LMI Waiver Eligibility

We review professional membership requirements across lenders.

General information only. Lending eligibility, LMI waiver policies, rates and approval outcomes vary by lender and are subject to assessment.

Check Accountant LMI Eligibility

We review professional membership requirements across lenders.

General information only. Lending outcomes vary by lender and individual circumstances.

Written by: Simpli Finance Lending Team  ·  Reviewed by: [Broker Name], Mortgage Broker  ·  Last updated: June 2026