Credit Score Basics > How to get your SA302 if you're self-employed

How to get your SA302 if you're self-employed

Wollit Team2 minute read · Updated 16th September 2024

If you’re self-employed in the UK, you’ll often be asked to prove your income when you apply for a loan or mortgage. The document that lets you do this is called SA302, and it’s a form that you can get from HMRC.

Here is what the SA302 form is important, how it works, and how to get it.

What is an SA302?

The SA302 is a form from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) that shows your income from self-employment. It basically summarises the income you reported on your Self Assessment tax return. The SA302 includes:

Your total income;
Any tax allowances;
And the tax you have paid or still owe.

How can I get my SA302 form?

You can get your SA302 in a few different ways.

If you filed your Self Assessment tax return online, you can download your SA302 from your HMRC online account. Log into your HMRC account, go to the 'Self Assessment' section, click on 'More details about your Self Assessment returns and payments', and select 'Get your SA302 tax calculation'. Then simply choose the tax year you need and download the form.

If you prefer not to use the internet, you can call HMRC and ask for a paper copy of your SA302. Have your National Insurance number and Self Assessment Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) ready for verification. This method may take longer, usually up to two weeks.

Finally, if you have an accountant, they can create and print the SA302 for you using their software. Make sure they sign it, as this adds trustworthiness.

What if I haven’t submitted my self assessment tax return?

You need to submit your tax return to get an SA302. If you haven’t done this, make sure to file it first. Keep an eye on the deadlines set by HMRC to avoid penalties.

Can I use my SA302 for multiple years?

Yes, you can get SA302 forms for up to four years of income. This can be helpful for lenders who want to see how your income has changed over time.

Why do I need an SA302?

As a self-employed person, you probably have noticed that it’s harder to prove your income compared to those who are employed. An SA302 lets you prove your income because it comes from a trusted source: the HMRC.

Lenders often ask for your SA302 to check your income when you apply for a mortgage or loan. It helps them understand your financial situation, especially since self-employed income can be more complicated than regular salary income.

What else do lenders ask for if I’m self-employed?

Making sure that your income is sufficient to repay your debt is only one thing that lenders look at. The other is your credit history through what’s called a “credit check”. Knowing that you are a responsible borrower is very important for lenders, and it can make a huge difference between getting your application accepted or rejected.

Luckily, now there are many apps that can help you build and improve credit.

Wollit works by reporting a fixed fee monthly subscription as a loan repayment to the credit reference agencies (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion). This helps you build or rebuild your credit history by showing that you can pay debt on time. It can even report your monthly rent payment to Experian, adding another line in your credit report that shows lenders you're responsible and pay your bills when they’re due. In time, this will help you improve your credit score so you won’t need to be worried about any credit check ever again.