SA302 Mortgage Issues: Income Verification for Self-Employed
The SA302 is a crucial document for self-employed mortgage applications. Understanding how lenders use it, and knowing the alternatives when issues arise, can make the difference between approval and rejection.
Content reviewed: 13 January 2026
SA302 Key Facts
- •SA302 is HMRC's tax calculation document required by most lenders
- •Most lenders need 2-3 years of SA302s, some accept 1 year
- •Get SA302s from HMRC online, by phone, or through your accountant
- •Low income on SA302 may require specialist lending approaches
- •Contractors and directors have alternative income verification options
Understanding Your SA302
The SA302 (Tax Calculation) is a summary produced by HMRC showing your total income and tax due for a tax year. For mortgage purposes, lenders use it to verify the income you've declared to HMRC matches what you're claiming on your mortgage application.
What Your SA302 Shows
- Total income from all sources (self-employment, employment, property, etc.)
- Tax deductions and allowances claimed
- Total tax due for the year
- National Insurance contributions
How to Get Your SA302
- 1. Log in to your HMRC personal tax account
- 2. Go to "Self Assessment" section
- 3. Select "View your Tax Calculation (SA302)"
- 4. Print or save as PDF for your lender
Your accountant can request SA302s from HMRC on your behalf. They can also provide accountant-certified accounts which some lenders accept as an alternative.
Call the Self Assessment helpline (0300 200 3310) to request SA302s by post. This can take up to 2 weeks, so plan ahead if you need paper copies.
Common SA302 Issues and Solutions
If your SA302 shows lower income than you actually have available (due to legitimate tax planning), there are options:
- • Limited company directors: Some lenders use salary + dividends + retained profits
- • Contractors: Day rate calculations may show higher borrowing capacity
- • Accountant projections for year-on-year growth
- • Specialist lenders who understand tax-efficient structures
Some specialist lenders accept just 1 year of SA302/accounts. Having previous employment in the same industry helps, as does a strong deposit (15%+) and clean credit history.
Most lenders require your latest tax year to be filed before application. If you're behind, prioritise getting current. Your accountant may be able to file quickly if records are in order.
Frequently Asked Questions
An SA302 is HMRC's Tax Calculation that shows your income and tax paid for a specific year. It's the document most mortgage lenders require from self-employed applicants to verify income.
You can get your SA302 from HMRC online (through your personal tax account), by calling HMRC, or through your accountant. The online version is the quickest option.
Most lenders require 2-3 years of SA302s. Some specialist lenders accept 1 year. If your income has increased significantly, some lenders may use only your latest year.
If your declared income is low (perhaps due to legitimate tax planning), some lenders understand this. Accountants' projections, retained profits in a limited company, or day rate calculations for contractors may help.
Some lenders accept accountant-certified accounts instead of SA302s. Contractors may use day rate calculations. Limited company directors can sometimes use salary plus dividends from accounts.
Most lenders require your latest tax year to be filed. If you're behind on tax returns, you'll need to get current before most lenders will consider you. Some specialist lenders are more flexible.
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Content reviewed: 13 January 2026