Full doc
Recent tax returns and financial statements support the application. Usually the widest choice of lenders and structures.
Less paperwork
Low Doc Equipment Finance
Tax returns not lodged yet? Your bank statements and a tax invoice may be enough to get the equipment you need moving.
Built for busy owners
What is low doc equipment finance?
Plenty of good businesses are a year or two behind on their tax returns. The work is coming in, the accounts are in the hands of a busy accountant, and meanwhile a new truck or machine is needed now. Low doc equipment finance exists for exactly this situation.
Instead of full financials, lenders lean on other evidence that the business is trading and can meet repayments. That usually means recent business bank statements, your ABN history, a declaration of income and, of course, the asset itself as security.
It is not a no-questions loan. Lenders still want a clear picture, and some may ask for a larger deposit or a shorter term. But for an established operator with healthy account activity, it can be a far quicker path than waiting for returns to be finalised.
Low doc equipment finance lets established businesses fund vehicles and machinery without providing full tax returns or financial statements. Lenders instead assess recent business bank statements, ABN and GST history, and the asset being bought. With the invoice, ID and statements ready, next-business-day settlement is possible for straightforward applications.
Doc levels
Full doc, low doc and bank statement deals
Lenders assess income in different ways, and the paperwork you have shapes the options open to you.
Low doc
A signed declaration of income plus supporting evidence such as BAS or an accountant's letter stands in for full financials.
Bank statement assessment
Lenders look at deposits and account conduct across recent business bank statements to gauge what the business can comfortably repay.
Who is low doc equipment finance for?
It suits self-employed owners, sole traders, partnerships and companies that are trading steadily but cannot yet show up-to-date financials. Common examples include tradies who have grown quickly, contractors moving from wages to their own ABN, and seasonal operators whose books lag behind the work.
Lenders usually want to see that the ABN has been active for a reasonable period and that money is genuinely flowing through the business account. If you are a sole trader, our page on sole trader loans covers other ways to fund the business too.
What documents do I need for low doc equipment finance?
Requirements vary by lender, but this list covers most applications. Having it ready on day one is what makes fast settlement possible.
- Tax invoice or quote for the asset
- Driver licence for each owner or director
- ABN, and ACN if you trade through a company
- Recent business bank statements, often three to six months
- Recent BAS lodgements or an accountant's letter if you have them
- A short, honest summary of what the business does
How fast can low doc equipment finance settle?
Fewer documents can actually mean fewer delays. When the invoice, ID and bank statements are ready, approval and settlement can move fast, and next-business-day settlement is possible for straightforward applications.
Say a concreter wins a council job that starts Monday and needs a second skid steer. If the dealer quote and statements are emailed through the same afternoon, there is a real chance of the machine being on the trailer before the job starts. Learn more about fast equipment finance.
Apply today… cashed up tomorrow!
Need the gear on site this week?
Start the 60-second enquiry now. When your documents are ready and the deal is straightforward, being cashed up as soon as tomorrow is possible for eligible applicants.
Does low doc mean a higher cost?
It can. Less verified information means a little more risk from the lender's side, so pricing, deposit and term may reflect that. Every deal is priced on the borrower's circumstances, including security, term, credit history and the asset itself.
The upside is speed and access. Many owners use low doc finance to get the asset working, then refinance onto a full doc arrangement once their returns are lodged. Your accountant can help you plan that timing around EOFY.
What if I owe the ATO or my credit is patchy?
An outstanding ATO debt or a past default does not automatically rule you out. Lenders consider these case by case, and a payment arrangement with the ATO that you are keeping up with often counts in your favour.
Be upfront about it on the form so we can steer you toward lenders who will genuinely consider your file. See bad credit equipment finance or ATO debt business loans for more detail.
Which assets work best on low doc terms?
Lenders are most comfortable when the asset holds its value and is easy to identify and resell. Mainstream utes, vans, light trucks, tippers, trailers, forklifts and popular brands of earthmoving gear tend to be straightforward because there is a deep second-hand market behind them.
Highly specialised or custom-built equipment can still be funded, but a lender may want a bigger deposit or a fuller picture of the business. If you are buying a work ute or van, low doc is often one of the simplest routes, especially when the dealer can supply a tax invoice the same day.
Whatever the asset, a recent quote with the serial number or VIN, the seller's details and the full price saves a round of questions later.
Get your low doc enquiry started
There is no credit check when you first enquire, and a real person reads your details instead of an algorithm firing them at a dozen lenders. Fill in the form accurately and we can usually match you on the first attempt.
Ready to go? Start the 60-second enquiry and tell us what you are buying, roughly when you need it, and which documents you already have.
Trust and process
Clear, secure finance enquiries
Loanster keeps the enquiry process straightforward: no credit check to enquire, a real person looks at your situation, and your details are not sprayed out to a pile of lenders.
Secure online enquiry
Personal details are submitted through a secure form and are not sent through URL query strings.
Australian business context
Enquiries can include ABN, BAS, ATO, bank statement and asset details where relevant.
Lender criteria apply
Approval, pricing, loan amounts and funding times depend on lender assessment.
Clear next steps
Loanster helps identify what information may be needed before a lender can make a decision.
Common questions
Low Doc Equipment Finance FAQs
Can I get equipment finance without tax returns?
Yes, many lenders offer low doc options that rely on bank statements, BAS and an income declaration instead. You will usually need an active ABN and steady account activity.
How long does my ABN need to be active?
It varies by lender. Longer trading history generally opens more options, but newer businesses can still be considered, sometimes with a deposit or a stronger asset.
Do I need GST registration?
Not always, though many low doc lenders prefer GST-registered businesses because BAS lodgements help show turnover. Ask us if you are not registered.
Can I buy used equipment on low doc?
Often, yes. Lenders may set age limits or ask for an inspection, especially on older or privately sold gear.
Will a low doc enquiry hurt my credit file?
Our initial enquiry does not involve a credit check. A lender will only run one later if you decide to proceed with an application.
Can I refinance onto a full doc loan later?
Many owners do exactly that once their financials are up to date. Talk to your accountant about timing and any payout costs.
Related finance options
Explore connected Loanster pages
Low Doc Business Loans
Explore low doc business loan options where full financial statements may not be available, subject to lender requirements.
Equipment Finance for Australian Businesses
Finance eligible equipment for your business while preserving cash flow for wages, suppliers and day-to-day operations.
Bad Credit Equipment Finance
A default from years ago should not stop a busy business getting the truck, machine or tools it needs to keep working.
Equipment Finance Checklist: Everything You Need to Get Approved
A practical checklist to work through before you finance a truck, machine, oven or forklift, so approval and settlement move quickly.
All equipment loan options
See every equipment loan page on Loanster in one place.
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See what you may qualify for
Tell Loanster what kind of finance you are looking for and the team will guide you through the next step. Please fill in the form accurately so we can match you first time. Finance is subject to lender approval, eligibility criteria, terms and conditions.
Prefer to talk? Call 03 9999 7370.
Last reviewed: 24 October 2026
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