Why it is different
Employees show income on payslips. Business owners show it through tax returns, financial statements and sometimes BAS. Lenders look at how stable and repeatable that income is, and often average more than one year.
Common documents
Personal and business tax returns and notices of assessment, financial statements, ATO account statements, BAS, ID, and details of existing debts. Some lenders offer alternative documentation options with different pricing and conditions.
What helps
Up-to-date lodgements, no ATO debt, a clean credit file, and clear explanations for any big income changes. Accounting add-backs such as depreciation may be considered by some lenders, and policies differ widely.
Why a broker helps
Lender policy on business income varies a lot. A broker with an accounting background can read your numbers first and match you to lenders whose policy suits your structure.