# What documents do I need for tradie finance? > The documents tradies really need for finance, by established vs newer business. Usually ID, bank statements and asset details — we ask only for what fits. Source: https://tradiefinance.co.nz/help/what-documents-do-i-need-for-tradie-finance Published: 2026-05-13T08:00:00.000Z Category: getting-started Tags: faq, getting-started Image: https://tradiefinance.co.nz/images/resources/generated/tradie/faq/what-documents-do-i-need-for-tradie-finance-primary.jpg Image alt: Tradie finance application documents for What documents do I need for tradie finance? --- Short version: a lot less than you think. We are a broker, not the lender, so our job is to match your application to the lender on our panel that needs the least paperwork for your situation. Most tradies are surprised how light the list is. ## The core list (almost everyone) These three things cover the start of nearly every application: 1. **Photo ID** — a current NZ driver licence is usually enough. Lenders check it against PPSR and credit records. 2. **Recent business bank statements** — often the last 90 days. This is the big one. A clean trading account that shows money coming in and bills being paid does more heavy lifting than any other document. 3. **The asset details** — what you are buying, from whom, and the price. A dealer quote, an invoice, or a Trade Me listing all work. If it is a ute, van, trailer or a bit of plant, we need the make, model, year and the GST-inclusive price. If you are GST-registered, having your [NZBN](/glossary/nzbn) handy speeds things up too. ## If your business is established (12+ months trading) Once you have a year or two behind you, lenders want to see the numbers — and a strong set can open up sharper pricing and stronger terms: - **GST returns** — usually the last two or four, pulled straight from myIR. - **Financial statements** — your most recent year-end accounts from your accountant (profit and loss, balance sheet). - **Bank statements** — still wanted, but they confirm a story your accounts already tell. This is also where having your books tidy pays off. A quick read of [getting your books finance-ready](/blog/getting-your-books-finance-ready) before you apply can mean a faster yes and a sharper deal. ## If your business is newer or you are a sole trader No two-year-old accounts yet? That is normal, and it does not stop you. Newer and [self-employed](/blog/low-doc-finance-for-self-employed-tradies) tradies usually lean on: - **Bank statements** — front and centre, sometimes six months instead of three to show the trend. - **Confirmed work** — signed contracts, a healthy pipeline, or invoices you have raised. Proof the income is real. - A **[business-purpose declaration](/glossary/business-purpose-declaration)** — a short form confirming the asset is for the business, not personal use. It matters because genuine business finance sits largely outside the consumer CCCFA affordability regime. These lighter applications are often [low-doc](/glossary/low-doc-loan), and a deposit can make up for thin history. See [can I get finance if I'm newly self-employed](/help/can-i-get-finance-if-newly-self-employed) for the full picture. ## We ask for what is needed — not a wishlist Here is the bit we care about most: **we do not send you off to print a folder of paperwork "just in case".** We look at your situation first, pick the lender on our panel that fits, and tell you the exact list for that application. Sometimes that is two documents. Rarely is it more than five. The fastest applications are the ones where the bank statements and asset quote land in the first email. Get those two sorted and most of the job is done. A few documents in the right order is what keeps things moving — for the full step-by-step, read [how to apply for tradie finance](/guides/how-to-apply-for-tradie-finance). And always confirm the tax and GST side with your accountant or IRD before you sign. Not sure what your situation needs? Send us a quick message or [book a call](/book-a-call) and we will tell you the short list for you — no paperwork dragged out for nothing.