Ask the lender which tax years and documents it accepts. An SA302 tax calculation and a tax-year overview are different records. Make sure they reflect the filed return and any amendment; obtaining them does not guarantee a mortgage offer.
Ask the lender exactly what it needs
Confirm the years, document format and any other requirements. HMRC explains how to obtain your SA302 tax calculation and tax-year overview, including where returns were filed using software.
A lender can have its own process. Do not assume a document accepted by one lender will be sufficient for every application.
Make sure the figures relate to the right return
Check your name, tax year and whether the return has been submitted or subsequently amended. If you have only draft figures, describe them accurately rather than presenting them as completed HMRC records.
Ask the accountant how the calculation relates to the return and whether an updated document is needed after a correction.
Keep tax preparation separate from borrowing advice
An accountant should prepare accurate figures based on the records, not change income to meet a mortgage target. The lender decides affordability and eligibility. Filing a return does not guarantee a mortgage or an immediate document turnaround.
Before requesting documents
Ask the lender or broker which years and formats it requires, then tell the accountant exactly what was requested. A tax calculation and a tax-year overview should not be treated as interchangeable simply because both mention the same year.
Can an accountant create documents before filing?
An accountant can explain the stage reached and may prepare draft calculations, but those should not be represented as a submitted return or HMRC-generated overview. Use accurate labels and check the lender’s requirements.
What if a return was amended?
Tell the person handling the application. The latest calculation may differ from an earlier copy. Keep the version and relevant tax year clear, and ask whether the supporting overview also needs refreshing before documents are sent.
Next step: Tell TaxSimba what the lender requested and the relevant tax years so the team can confirm the documents and work it can provide.
Start with HMRC’s document service
HMRC explains how to obtain an SA302 tax calculation and tax-year overview. If commercial software filed the return, ask the accountant how the calculation will be provided. Match the lender’s requested years and accepted document format before ordering extra work.
If you filed through HMRC, sign in and open Self Assessment, then the returns-and-payments details. If commercial software filed the return, obtain its tax calculation and the HMRC tax-year overview separately. HMRC says you cannot print the documents until 72 hours after filing; confirm the lender accepts the format you can provide.
Match mortgage evidence to the filed figures
Illustrative preparation example.
The lender requests two tax years, but the latest return was amended. Obtain the relevant tax calculations and overviews, checking the years and updated figures. A draft prepared before amendment can conflict with the HMRC record and delay the application.
Check: Do all requested documents relate to the correct years and the final filed position?
| Check | Practical action |
|---|---|
| Which years and formats are required? | Obtain the lender or broker's exact document request. |
| Are the return versions current? | Check filing and amendment status before downloading or requesting copies. |
| Do calculations and overviews match? | Keep names, tax years and versions consistent across the pack. |
Are an SA302 and a tax-year overview interchangeable?
No. They show related but different information. Supply what the lender actually requests.
Can higher income be inserted to help a mortgage application?
No. The return must reflect supported figures. Lending goals do not justify changing the tax facts.
Download a checklist for this guide
- Confirm the lender's requested years and formats.
- Check that relevant returns are filed.
- Identify amendments and current calculations.
- Obtain matching tax-year overviews.
- Review the pack for names, years and consistency.