What is an SA302 tax calculation?
An SA302 is a document from HMRC that summarises your income and the tax you owe for a given tax year, based on your Self Assessment return. It is most often needed as proof of income when applying for a mortgage, usually alongside a matching 'tax year overview'.
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An SA302 is a document from HMRC that summarises your income and the tax you owe for a given tax year, based on your Self Assessment return. It is most often needed as proof of income when applying for a mortgage, usually alongside a matching 'tax year overview'.
Last reviewed: July 2026 · Written in plain English, checked against gov.uk · Information only, not legal advice
SA302 tax calculation: the essentials
- What it isA summary of your Self Assessment income and tax
- Main useProof of income for mortgage or loan applications
- Often paired withA "tax year overview" from HMRC
- How to get itPrint from your HMRC online account or software
- UrgencyLow — it is a record, not a demand
Why would I need an SA302?
Lenders ask for an SA302 when you are self-employed or have income outside PAYE, because it is HMRC's own confirmation of the income you declared and the tax due. Most mortgage lenders want the last two or three years' SA302s together with the matching tax year overviews, which show the tax paid. It proves your declared income is consistent with what HMRC holds.
How do I get my SA302?
If you file online, you can print an SA302-equivalent 'tax calculation' from your HMRC online account after your return is submitted, and print the tax year overview from the same account. If you use commercial accounting software, you can usually generate the tax calculation from there. Most lenders now accept these self-printed versions; a minority still ask HMRC to post paper copies, which you can request by phone.
What does an SA302 actually show?
An SA302 breaks down your total income for the year (employment, self-employment, property, dividends and so on), your personal allowance, and the Income Tax and any National Insurance due. The paired tax year overview then shows the tax charged and paid for that year. Together they give a lender a clear, HMRC-backed picture of your earnings and tax position.
What happens if you ignore it?
An SA302 is not a letter that demands action, so there is nothing to 'ignore' — but not being able to produce one can stall a mortgage or loan application. It is worth keeping copies each year once your Self Assessment is filed, so they are ready when a lender asks. If the figures look wrong, that points to an error in the underlying tax return rather than the SA302 itself.
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See what your letter means — freeFrequently asked questions
Is an SA302 the same as a tax return?
No. Your tax return is what you submit; the SA302 is HMRC’s calculation summary based on it. Lenders want the calculation, usually with the tax year overview.
Do all mortgage lenders accept a printed SA302?
Most do, following an agreement between HMRC and lenders, but a few still ask for HMRC-posted copies. Check what your specific lender requires.
How many years of SA302s do I need?
Lenders commonly ask for two or three years, each with the matching tax year overview.
Official sources & free help
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