Self-Employed & ABN Finance for Sole Traders & Contractors

Finance for Self-Employed Borrowers and ABN Holders

If you work for yourself, you already know that most banks make borrowing unnecessarily hard. They want two years of tax returns, perfect P&L statements, and a salary slip you’ll never have. At SB Finance, we think that’s backwards. Running your own business is a sign of ambition and financial sophistication — not a red flag.

We specialise in helping self-employed borrowers, ABN holders, sole traders, contractors, freelancers and small business owners access the finance they need — whether that’s a home loan, car finance, equipment finance, or a business loan.

Why Banks Say No to Self-Employed Borrowers

Traditional banks use a rigid assessment model built for PAYG employees. If your income fluctuates, if you’re in your first or second year of trading, if you run a trust or company structure, or if your tax returns show a low taxable income (common with smart tax planning), the major banks often decline or dramatically reduce your borrowing capacity.

This is frustrating — because your actual cash flow, your business assets, and your trading performance often tell a very different story. SB Finance works with specialist lenders who understand this, and who assess self-employed applications the right way.

Self-Employed Home Loans

Buying or refinancing a home as a self-employed borrower is one of our core specialities. We access a full panel of alt-doc (alternative documentation) lenders who accept:

• Accountant declarations confirming your income
• BAS statements (typically 12 months)
• Business bank statements showing cash flow
• One year tax return (not always the two years banks require)
• Rental income, dividend income, and other income streams

Many of our self-employed home loan clients are surprised to discover they can borrow significantly more than a bank told them — simply because we know which lenders apply which policies.

ABN Holder Car Finance

If you use a vehicle for business purposes, you may be eligible for significant tax advantages through chattel mortgage, finance lease, or hire purchase. SB Finance arranges car and equipment finance for ABN holders across the Hills District and all of Sydney, with fast approval and competitive rates.

Advantages of financing a vehicle through your ABN include potential GST input tax credits, depreciation deductions, and structured balloon payments to reduce your monthly commitment.

Business Loans for Self-Employed Borrowers

Need working capital? Want to buy equipment, take on a new contract, or expand your premises? SB Finance arranges business loans for self-employed operators across all industries. We work with lenders who offer:

• Unsecured business loans up to $500,000
• Equipment finance and chattel mortgage
• Invoice finance and debtor factoring
• Commercial property loans
• SMSF loans for property investment

What Documents Do I Need?

This varies by lender and loan type, but as a general guide for alt-doc home loans we typically need:

• Your ABN registration (typically 12+ months active)
• Your most recent BAS statements (4 quarters)
• Business bank statements (3-6 months)
• An accountant declaration or letter
• Identification documents

For business loans, requirements are often lighter — many lenders can assess based on bank statements alone.

Frequently Asked Questions — Self-Employed Finance

Can I get a home loan if I’ve been self-employed for less than 2 years?

Yes. Several lenders on our panel will consider borrowers with 12 months of ABN registration. If your business is growing and you have good cash flow evidence, we can often find a solution even in your first or second year of trading.

Will applying affect my credit score?

Our initial assessment is a soft enquiry that does not affect your credit score. We only submit a formal application once you’ve chosen a lender and rate that works for you.

Do you help self-employed borrowers refinance?

Absolutely. Refinancing can be worth reviewing for self-employed borrowers, particularly if your circumstances have changed since your original loan was arranged. We can compare options across specialist lenders who understand self-employed clients, with any outcome subject to lender eligibility criteria.

What if I have bad credit?

We work with specialist lenders who consider your full picture — not just your credit file. If you have defaults, arrears, or a Part 9 debt agreement, there may still be options available. Speak with our team for an honest assessment.

Areas We Serve

SB Finance helps self-employed borrowers across the Hills District and greater Sydney, including Castle Hill, Norwest, Baulkham Hills, Kellyville, Parramatta, Blacktown, and beyond.