Alt-doc

How long do I need an ABN for an alt-doc loan?

Minimum ABN and GST periods vary, and registration alone does not prove sustainable income.

Short answer

Alt-doc lenders commonly require an active ABN history, often at least six to twelve months and sometimes two years. GST registration may also be required for a minimum period where the business should be registered. Exact rules differ by lender, product and profession, so an ABN start date alone does not determine eligibility.

The lender is checking a real trading history

ABN Lookup confirms registration dates and entity details, but it does not show profit or repayment capacity. The lender also reviews current turnover, expenses, account conduct, industry, ownership and the evidence pathway. A dormant ABN reactivated recently may not satisfy a continuous-trading requirement.

Check ABN and GST dates before selecting a lender.
Use the entity that actually earns the income.
Explain restructures or changes of ABN clearly.
Provide evidence covering the required period.

Industry experience can help explain the risk

Relevant prior employment or ownership experience can strengthen the story where policy permits shorter self-employment. It does not override a lender's stated minimum registration period or replace current income evidence.

Entity changes need a clear trail

A sole trader may incorporate, a partnership may change partners or a business may move to a trust. The new ABN can appear to have little history even when operations continue. Supply registrations, old and new accounts, accountant confirmation and documents showing the same customers, activity and ownership where relevant. Each lender decides whether it accepts continuity. Do not omit the former entity, because unexplained credits and mismatched names can delay or weaken the application.

GST registration is a separate question

A business generally needs GST registration when required under tax law, while smaller businesses may register voluntarily. Some alt-doc products use GST history as an eligibility measure. A missing registration where turnover suggests it should exist can create questions beyond the loan. Check the position with the accountant and correct records properly. Registering immediately before application does not manufacture a longer trading history or prove the income stated.

Choose the evidence pathway together with the history rule

A lender may accept the ABN age but require six months of BAS, business bank statements or another document combination. If the business has traded for twelve months but the required account has only three months of history, the product may still be unavailable. Review eligibility, evidence, LVR and pricing as one package. Applying to a lender that cannot use the available period creates an unnecessary enquiry without solving the documentation gap.

Questions to ask before you proceed

Exactly which alternative documents and trading-history period does this product require?
How do the rate, fees and maximum LVR compare with suitable full-doc options?
What evidence would be needed for a future full-doc review, without assuming it will be approved?

Key takeaway

Confirm both the registration period and the required income-evidence period before relying on an alt-doc option.

Official guidance: Pepper Money: Alt-doc documentation

This is general information, not personal financial, tax or legal advice. Lending criteria, fees and eligibility vary.

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