What are SA302 tax calculations?
An SA302 is a summary of your income as calculated by HMRC based on your Self Assessment tax return. It shows your total income, tax due, and any payments made. Most mortgage lenders accept SA302s as primary evidence of self-employed income.
You’ll typically need SA302s for the last two to three tax years. Make sure you file your Self Assessment promptly each year — late filing delays SA302 availability and can create unnecessary hold-ups in your mortgage application.
How to get your SA302
There are two ways to obtain your SA302, and the method you use can affect whether lenders accept it.
| HMRC online | Request by post |
|---|---|
| Log into your Personal Tax Account at gov.uk | Call HMRC Self Assessment helpline (0300 200 3310) |
| Go to Self Assessment > More Self Assessment details > Get your SA302 | Takes 2–4 weeks to arrive |
| Download or print immediately | Official HMRC-stamped document |
| Accepted by most lenders | Accepted by all lenders |
| Free and instant | Useful if you can’t access your online account |
Some lenders have moved away from requiring SA302s and instead accept tax year overviews alone, or even accountant-produced tax calculations. Your broker will tell you exactly what each lender needs.
What are tax year overviews?
A tax year overview is a snapshot of your tax position for a specific year. It shows the tax charged, payments made, and any balance due. Lenders use it alongside your SA302 to verify that the figures match and that your tax affairs are in order.
You can download tax year overviews from your HMRC online account. They’re available for each year you’ve filed a Self Assessment return. Like SA302s, you’ll typically need the last two to three years.
What do accountant’s certificates need to include?
Some lenders accept an accountant’s certificate or reference in place of (or alongside) SA302s. Not all accountant letters are created equal — lenders have specific requirements.
Must be from a qualified accountant
- ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualified
- Some lenders also accept AAT members in practice
- Must be on the accountant’s headed paper with their registration number
Must include specific information
- Your trading name and business structure
- Dates the business has been trading
- Net profit (sole traders) or salary and dividends (directors)
- Confirmation the figures are based on finalised accounts
May need to confirm additional details
- Whether accounts are prepared on an accruals or cash basis
- That the accountant has no concerns about the business’s viability
- Any material changes expected in the current trading period
If your accountant isn’t familiar with mortgage references, your broker can provide a template that covers exactly what the lender needs. This avoids back-and-forth and speeds up the process.
Company accounts for limited company directors
If you’re a limited company director, lenders will want to see your company’s full statutory accounts in addition to your personal SA302s. These should be prepared by a qualified accountant and typically cover the last two to three financial years.
Lenders examine the company accounts to understand the business’s profitability and whether your declared salary and dividends are sustainable. If you retain significant profits in the company rather than drawing them, some lenders will factor in retained earnings, which can boost your borrowing capacity.
What do lenders look for in bank statements?
Bank statements tell lenders things that accounts and SA302s don’t. They reveal your actual spending habits, regular commitments, and whether your day-to-day finances align with what’s declared on paper.
What lenders like to see
- Regular income deposits matching your declared earnings
- Consistent saving behaviour
- Manageable and predictable spending patterns
What raises concerns
- Gambling transactions (even small ones can flag)
- Frequent use of overdraft facilities
- Unexplained large deposits or withdrawals
- BNPL payments or payday loan activity
Clean up your bank statements
If you have a gambling app or regularly use your overdraft, consider stopping at least 3–6 months before applying. Lenders review your most recent statements and these patterns can lead to a decline even with strong income.
Proof of future contracts (for contractors)
If you’re a contractor, some lenders will want evidence of ongoing or future work. This is particularly important for lenders who assess income based on your contract rate rather than historic accounts.
Provide a copy of your current contract showing the day rate, start and end dates, and the client’s name. If your contract is due for renewal, a letter of intent or history of previous renewals can also help. Most lenders want to see at least six months remaining on your contract, or a pattern of continuous renewals.
Your self-employed documentation checklist
Getting organised before you speak to a broker or lender makes the whole process smoother. Here’s what to gather.
Before your first broker meeting
- 01
Download SA302s and tax year overviews
For the last 2–3 tax years from your HMRC online account.
- 02
Get your latest accounts from your accountant
Full accounts for limited companies; profit and loss for sole traders.
- 03
Gather personal and business bank statements
Last 3–6 months for both. Download as PDFs from your online banking.
- 04
Prepare proof of identity and address
Passport or driving licence, plus a recent utility bill or council tax statement.
- 05
Collect evidence of your deposit
Savings statements, or documentation of where your deposit funds come from.
- 06
Note your business details
Trading name, company number, date trading started, and your accountant’s details.
At Clearview Mortgage Solutions, we review your documents before submission and flag anything missing or problematic. This prevents delays and avoids unnecessary back-and-forth with the lender.