Accountant's Letter
Last reviewed 13 June 2026 by Nick Lim, finance broker (FBAA).
Accountant's Letter is a written confirmation from a qualified accountant about a self-employed borrower's income or financial position, used where full financials are not provided. In Australia it must come from a member of CA ANZ, CPA Australia or the IPA, and lenders often supply their own template wording. It is a core document in a low doc loan and self-employed home loan application, and supports the income side of a one doc home loan or alt doc home loan.
Why Accountant's Letter Matters
An accountant's letter lets a self-employed borrower verify income without full financials, which can make or break a low-doc deal.
- Confirms income or capacity from a qualified accountant
- Central to a low doc loan and self-employed home loan file
- Supports a one doc home loan or alt doc home loan
- Read alongside BAS and bank statements
- Must meet the lender's wording and qualification rules
Common Features of Accountant's Letter
- Signed by a CA ANZ, CPA Australia or IPA member
- States income, GST position or capacity to repay
- Often on a lender's template
- Dated close to the application
- Not a substitute for full financials with every lender
Official reference: ato.gov.au
What is an accountant's letter for a loan?
A written confirmation of a self-employed borrower's income from a qualified accountant, used in a low doc loan application.
When do lenders accept an accountant's letter?
Mostly on low-doc and self-employed home loan files where full tax returns are not provided.
Who can write an accountant's letter?
A qualified accountant who is a member of CA ANZ, CPA Australia or the IPA.
Does an accountant's letter replace tax returns?
With some lenders on a one doc home loan or alt doc home loan, but not all. It depends on the product.
What should an accountant's letter include?
Usually the borrower's income or capacity, GST position, and the accountant's qualification. See BAS for the trading records behind it.