How to Use an SA302 to Prove Your Income
In the United Kingdom, an SA302 is a document HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) provides that summarises your income and tax calculations for a specific tax year. It is often requested by lenders, landlords, or other organisations as proof of your income when you need to apply for a mortgage, rental property, or other financial services. Providers often request an SA302 (the Tax Year Overview) when applying for a mortgage or other loans. This document proves your income and is based on your submitted Self-assessment tax return.
Fortunately, getting your SA302 in PDF format online from HMRC is relatively easy. All you need is a valid internet connection and an HMRC online account.
How to get an SA302
An SA302 is a document issued by HMRC that shows how your tax bill has been calculated. It combines your taxable income from different sources, including PAYE, self-employed, dividends and rental income, and verifies the total amount declared on your tax return. It also includes a breakdown of the allowances you’ve been given.
To use an SA302 to prove your income, follow these steps:
- Obtain Your SA302:
- To obtain your SA302, you can request it directly from HMRC. There are several ways to do this:
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- Online: Log in to your HMRC online account, go to the “Self Assessment” section, and request your SA302 document.
- By Phone: You can call HMRC and request a copy of your SA302 over the phone.
- By Mail: You can send a written request to HMRC, and they will mail your SA302 to your registered address.
- Gather Additional Documents: Depending on the purpose for which you need to prove your income, you may need to gather other supporting documents. These might include bank statements, payslips, P60s, or employment contracts.
- Please verify the Information: Once you receive your SA302, review it carefully to ensure that all the income and tax details are accurate and current. If you notice any discrepancies, contact HMRC to rectify them.
- Submit the SA302 to the Relevant Organisation:
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- Provide a copy of your SA302 and any additional supporting documents to the organisation requesting proof of your income. This could be a mortgage lender, landlord, or any other institution.
- Ensure that you follow their instructions for submission, which may involve providing physical and digital copies of the documents.
- Explain the SA302 to the Receiving Party:
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- It’s helpful to explain the contents of the SA302 to the party requesting it, especially if they are unfamiliar with the document. Highlight critical details, such as your total income, tax paid, and applicable tax deductions.
- Retain Copies for Your Records:
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- Keep copies of your SA302 and all related documents for your own records. This can be helpful for future reference or if you need to provide proof of income again.
- Plan: It can take some time to receive your SA302 from HMRC, so plan when applying for services that require proof of income. Start the process well in advance to avoid delays in your application.
It was previously only issued by post but has been made available online recently. It also works in partnership with another HMRC online document called a Tax Year Overview, which verifies that the information on your SA302 is correct.
If you’re looking to apply for a mortgage or any other kind of loan, then an SA302 is likely to be required by the lender. This is because lenders will need to verify your income to ensure you can afford to repay what you’re borrowing. This is especially important for self-employed people or with other forms of taxable income outside of PAYE.
Many lenders will accept a self-printed SA302 or Tax Year Overview as proof of your income, but others may require an accountant’s certificate. This can be frustrating as it often takes several weeks for an accountant to complete this, but it’s worth checking with your potential lender before attempting to obtain one.
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How to Download an SA302
The SA302 is an official statement of your income from HM Revenue and Customs. It shows how much you’ve earned and how much income tax you have paid over the last four years. It can prove your income for various purposes, including mortgage applications.
You can get your SA302 by logging in to your HMRC online account or using commercial software such as FreeAgent. You can also access a similar document called ‘your tax breakdown’ through the Self Assessment section of your online account. Some mortgage lenders will accept these documents instead of an SA302, though you should check this first.
The time it takes to receive an SA302 will depend on how you request it and whether HMRC have processed your tax return yet. Once they have, you can download the document directly from your online account. You can also request your SA302 by phone or post, although this can take longer.
An SA302 is a valuable document for anyone who needs to prove their earnings for a specific tax year but cannot provide wage slips or P60 forms from regular employment. This can include the self-employed, property investors, directors who receive dividends or people earning significant amounts from interest on savings. It can also be used for visa applications, claiming council tax reduction and other proof of income purposes.
How to Print an SA302
If you have submitted a tax return via the HMRC online service portal and need proof of earnings, an SA302 or ‘tax calculation’ document is usually available to print within 72 hours of filing your tax return. This document summarises the taxable income declared on your Self Assessment tax return for one particular tax year and shows how much you’ve earned and the amount of tax you’ve paid/owed. It can be used to prove your income to banks and lenders, like wage slips and P60 forms used by employees.
You can get your SA302 from the government gateway website if you have an account with HMRC or, if you’re using a commercial accounting software package such as FreeAgent, you can access a similar document called a ‘Your Tax Breakdown’ which serves as an equivalent to the official SA302. However, before you do this, you should check that your mortgage provider accepts documents you’ve printed yourself rather than those sent directly by HMRC.
Mortgage and loan applicants often ask for an SA302 to verify the accuracy of their income claims. Lenders prefer to see this official document from HM Revenue and Customs, as it verifies that the income claims you’ve made on your application are accurate.
How to Certify an SA302
Lenders need proof of income from various sources, especially if an applicant is self-employed or earns outside PAYE. The easiest way to do this is by providing an SA302 tax calculation (a Self Assessment Statement).
The SA302 shows all of the sources of income for a particular tax year, including any allowances or reliefs claimed. It also shows how much tax is paid and any NICs owed. Lenders, landlords, and other organisations use it to verify an individual’s declared income. It can also be used to support a visa application.
In the UK, an SA302 is most commonly requested as part of a mortgage application. Mortgage lenders require proof of annual earnings to ensure applicants can repay the mortgage loan. SA302s provide the most comprehensive source of proof of income, and all significant lenders typically require them.
In addition to the SA302, it is a good idea for mortgage applicants to have their accountants or tax agents complete a Certified Accountant’s Report or CAR. These documents will provide additional detail about the borrower’s business, demonstrating to the lender that the borrower is serious about their mortgage. This can reduce the risk of lending to the applicant and increase their chances of approval.
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