- Accountants
- Updated
• 5 min read
Self-Employed Accountant Home Loans
Many accountants operate their own practice or consulting business. Self-employed income assessment is more complex than PAYG and requires additional documentation, but there are lenders well-placed to assess self-employed accountants.
Quick Answer
Self-employed accountants can access home loans, but income assessment requires tax returns, financial statements and business documentation. Some lenders require two years of self-employment; others may consider alternatives.
What Lenders Need For Self-Employed Accountants
✓ Two years of personal tax returns
✓ Business tax returns — company or trust if applicable
✓ Business profit and loss and balance sheet
✓ BAS statements — last four quarters typically
✓ Business bank statements
✓ ABN registration and business registration details
How Income Is Calculated
For self-employed accountants, lenders typically add back depreciation and certain non-cash deductions to the taxable income. The average of the last two years is commonly used, with some lenders using the lower year as a conservative approach.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need two years of self-employment?
Most lenders prefer two years. Some may consider shorter history with strong supporting documentation.
Can I use my lower-year income if one year was higher?
Lenders typically average across years. Some may use the lower year conservatively. Policy varies.
How Lenders Calculate Self-Employed Income
For self-employed accountants, lenders typically add back non-cash deductions to the taxable income figure to arrive at the assessable income. Common add-backs include depreciation, amortisation and motor vehicle depreciation.
What Lenders May Look At
✓ 2 years of personal tax returns
✓ 2 years of business financial statements
✓ BAS statements (last 4 quarters typically)
✓ ABN registration and period of trading
✓ Business bank statements
✓ Business profit and loss account
✓ Accountant-certified declaration of income if required
The Two-Year Average Rule
Most lenders use an average of the last two years of self-employed income. If year one was $180,000 and year two is $220,000, many lenders will use $200,000. Some lenders use the lower year as a conservative measure. Others will use the most recent year if it shows a clear upward trend.
Common Mistakes Self-Employed Accountants Make
✗ Not keeping business financials up to date before applying
✗ Using aggressive tax minimisation strategies that reduce assessable income
✗ Forgetting that business debts affect personal borrowing capacity
✗ Applying before having 2 full years of self-employment history
Do I need two full years of self-employment?
Most lenders require two years. Some may accept less in specific circumstances.
Can my tax-minimised income hurt my borrowing?
Yes. Heavily reduced taxable income reduces assessed borrowing capacity regardless of actual earnings.
Review Self-Employed Accountant Lending
We find lenders suited to self-employed accountant income structures.
General information only. Lending eligibility, LMI waiver policies, rates and approval outcomes vary by lender and are subject to assessment.
Review Self-Employed Assessment
We find lenders suited to self-employed accountant income structures.
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