Last updated: October 2026 · Reviewed by John Pierre Saliba, Director and Mortgage Broker, MFAA Accredited
What Lenders Look for in Bank Statements, How Lenders Assess Your Income
Whether you use tax returns, BAS statements or bank statements, the key is presenting your income correctly to the right lender. We specialise in non-standard income assessment and know exactly which lenders will assess what lenders look for in bank statements income most favourably.
The most important variable isn't your income, it's which lender assesses it. Different lenders apply different add-backs, different shading, and different attitudes to variable or non-standard income. The same borrower can have very different borrowing capacity depending on lender selection alone. That's where we add real value.
Full Doc vs Alt Doc
Full Doc (Standard)
Last 2 years of tax returns, NOAs, and business financials. Best rates and broadest lender panel. Suits borrowers with consistent income and up-to-date tax lodgements.
Alt Doc
12 months of BAS statements, 6 months of business bank statements, accountant's letter. Rates 0.3–0.7% higher. Suits borrowers with 1 year of history, or where tax returns understate actual cash flow.
Key Add-Backs
- Depreciation on vehicles, equipment and assets
- Home office expenses
- One-off non-recurring expenses
- Super contributions above SGC
Tips to Strengthen Your Application
- Lodge your most recent tax return before applying
- Keep business and personal accounts separate
- Ensure BAS is lodged consistently, gaps raise flags
- Apply while income is at its strongest relative to your 2-year average
- Avoid new credit in the 3–6 months before applying
