How do I get my tax year overview?

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If you are self-employed and applying for a mortgage, your lender will need proof of your earnings. One of the most important documents they will ask for is the Tax Year Overview.

Here is exactly how to find and print it from your HMRC online account:

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Log in to your HMRC online account using your Government Gateway ID.
2. Once logged in, click the link labelled ‘View account’.
3. Look for the navigation menu and click the link ‘Tax years’.
4. You will see a dropdown menu. Choose the tax year you need (e.g., 2024-2025) and click the ‘Go’ button.
5. Scroll down to locate and click the link ‘Print your Tax Year Overview’.
6. You can now save this document as a PDF or print it out for your lender.

Important Timing Note: If you have only just submitted your tax return, you cannot print this document immediately. As per HMRC guidelines, you must wait 72 hours after fully submitting your return before the documents become available to print.

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Why do I need this? The SA302 Connection

You will often hear mortgage brokers mention the SA302. It is important to understand that the SA302 and the Tax Year Overview work together as a pair.

• The SA302 (Tax Calculation): This document shows exactly how your tax was calculated based on your turnover and expenses. It proves how much profit you made.
• The Tax Year Overview: This document is like a receipt or a statement of account. It validates that the figures in your SA302 match what HMRC has on their system.

Most high-street lenders in the UK now refuse to accept just the SA302 on its own; they require the Tax Year Overview to verify that the numbers are genuine and match HMRC’s records.

The Importance of a Good Accountant

While it is possible to download these documents yourself, having a good accountant is invaluable when applying for a mortgage.

An accountant uses professional commercial software to file your taxes. The documents produced by this software often look different from the standard HMRC screen prints, but they are widely accepted by mortgage lenders.

More importantly, a skilled accountant ensures your income is declared correctly before you apply. If you have made errors on your tax return—or if your SA302 figures don’t match your Tax Year Overview—your mortgage application could be delayed or rejected. An accountant bridges the gap between your business finances and the strict requirements of mortgage underwriters.

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