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No Doc Business Loans in Australia (2026 Guide for Self-Employed Borrowers)

  • 15 hours ago
  • 4 min read

Can you get no doc business loans without tax returns?

Yes. No doc business loans are available in Australia if the facility is secured against property and structured for genuine business purposes. Instead of assessing tax returns and PAYG income, lenders focus on asset value, loan-to-value ratio (LVR), and your exit strategy with settlements available up to AUD $20M.


If you are self-employed, behind on tax lodgements, or recently incorporated, this type of funding can bridge the gap when banks decline.


Self employed trades person secured no doc loans

What are no doc business loans?

No doc business loans are asset-based lending facilities that do not require:

  • Two years lodged tax returns

  • Full financial statements

  • BAS statements

  • Traditional serviceability calculations

Instead, approval is based on:

  • The value of the security property

  • Existing debt levels

  • Acceptable LVR (typically 50–75%)

  • A clear and realistic exit strategy

Most facilities are structured as business-purpose loans, meaning they are generally outside standard consumer lending regulation where appropriate. Security is typically taken via:

  • First Mortgage

  • Second Mortgage

This is not unsecured lending. It is structured, property-backed funding.


Can You Get a No Doc Business Loan Self Employed Without Tax Returns?

Yes, you can obtain a no doc business loan self employed without tax returns in Australia if the loan is secured against property and structured for genuine business purposes.


Unlike banks, private lenders do not rely on two years of lodged financials or traditional serviceability models. Instead, approval is based on asset value, available equity, loan-to-value ratio (LVR), and a credible exit strategy.


Why do banks decline self-employed borrowers?

Major lenders operate under strict credit policy. They assess:

  • Two years lodged tax returns

  • ATO compliance

  • Director credit history

  • Serviceability under stressed interest rates

A profitable business can still be declined if:

  • Tax returns are unlodged

  • There is ATO debt accruing interest

  • Income fluctuates

  • The entity is newly incorporated

That is policy risk not necessarily asset risk. Private asset-based lenders assess differently.


What security is required for no doc business loans?

Security is central to approval.

Typical acceptable assets include:

  • Residential property

  • Commercial property

  • Industrial property

  • Development sites

  • Vacant land

  • Residual stock

  • Cross-collateral portfolios

LVR depends on asset type and location, but generally ranges between 50% and 75%.

The stronger the equity position, the stronger the funding outcome.


What are the typical terms in 2026?

Here is what the current private lending market looks like:

Feature

Typical Range

Loan Amount

AUD $50,000 – $20,000,000

Interest Rates (first mortgage)

8.50% – 12% per annum

LVR

Up to 75% (asset dependent)

Settlement Time

24–48 hours (post valuation)

Loan Term

3–12months

Important structural notes:

  • Interest can often be capitalised

  • Some facilities require no monthly repayments

  • A defined exit strategy is mandatory

These are short-term, strategic funding solutions, not 30-year mortgages.


How fast can no doc business loans settle?

With clean title and a clear exit strategy:

  • Indicative terms: within 24 hours

  • Formal approval: 24–72 hours

  • Settlement: as fast as 24–48 hours once valuation is complete

What slows transactions down:

  • Complex trust structures

  • Caveats or title issues

  • Unrealistic exit assumptions

  • Delays in valuation access

When documentation is organised, same-week funding is realistic.


Real example: $1.2M no doc facility for ATO debt

A Sydney construction operator approached us with:

  • Unlodged tax returns

  • AUD $1.2M ATO debt accruing interest

  • A residential investment property valued at AUD $3.8M

  • Existing first mortgage at 50% LVR


We structured:

  • $1.2M second mortgage

  • 65% total LVR

  • 1.35% per month

  • 12-month term

  • Interest capitalised

The exit strategy was refinance once tax returns were lodged and ATO arrears cleared.

The borrower avoided further ATO enforcement action and stabilised the business.

This is how no doc business loans are intended to be used — as a structured bridge, not permanent finance.


What are the risks borrowers should understand?

Transparency matters.

No doc business loans:

  • Cost more than bank lending

  • Are shorter term

  • Require strong equity

  • Depend on a genuine exit

Borrowers must obtain independent legal advice before settlement.

These facilities work when used strategically. They are not suitable for long-term passive debt.


When are no doc business loans the right strategy?

They are commonly used for:

  • Clearing ATO arrears

  • Bridging property settlements

  • Funding time-sensitive acquisitions

  • Covering payroll or supplier pressure

  • Completing development projects

  • Restructuring short-term business debt

If timing is critical and equity is available, asset-based lending can provide speed and flexibility banks cannot.


How do you apply for no doc business loans?

The process is straightforward:

  1. Confirm property value

  2. Identify existing encumbrances

  3. Outline loan purpose

  4. Define exit strategy

  5. Provide identification and title details

Indicative terms are typically issued within 24 hours.


Need no doc business loans settled fast?

If you are self-employed, behind on tax lodgements, or simply require fast asset-backed funding, structured private lending may be appropriate.

Innovate Funding arranges:

  • First and second mortgage facilities

  • Business-purpose lending

  • Settlements up to AUD $20M

  • Australia-wide transactions


To understand how a structured facility could work for your scenario, visit our main No Doc Business Loans service page and request an indicative assessment.

Speed matters. Structure matters more contact us today for a free quote.

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